Historical society appeals for funds to restore 13th century abbey in East Cork

The preservation of the Augustinian Canon Abbey is being organised by Carrigtwohill & District Historical Society

The Augustinian Canon Abbey in Carrigtwohill is believed to have been built during the Cambro-Norman era around the same time the same order built one at Ballybeg in Buttevant. Picture: GoFundMe/André Saubolle

A society behind the renovation of a historic abbey in East Cork is looking to crowdfund for work being undertaken to preserve the structure.

The move is being made by Carrigtwohill & District Historical Society, which is carrying out the project at the Augustinian Canon Abbey in the town.

The society first mooted a restoration project on the building, which dates back to the early 13th century, at a meeting of its members in 2023.

The abbey, which is located within St Mary’s Cemetery, is believed to have been built during the Cambro-Norman era around the same time the same order built one at Ballybeg in Buttevant.

Its secretary, André Saubolle, said they made an application to the EirGrid Community Fund (for the Celtic Interconnector Project) in 2023 but were unsuccessful. Another was made in 2025, which was also unsuccessful.

They made an application to the National Monuments Fund and this year they were awarded €68,000 to undertake urgent remedial works to the tower externally, with work commencing earlier this month.

The society has employed Ahern Brothers Stonemasons to undertake the remedial works, which will take a couple of weeks to complete, and the project is being managed by Southgate Associates.

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“Internally, the tower requires a thorough clean to remove centuries of pigeon detritus and other debris, requiring additional funding that is not within the scope of works of the heritage award for the urgent remedial works,” Mr Saubolle said.

The group had initially set up a GoFundMe to help finance sundry costs of the project outside the grant application process. These applications incurred fees to the society amounting to €2,274. For the first few weeks, donations were being received, but very soon dried up.

“Now that the work has finally begun, we are once again seeking people’s kind assistance and would welcome any contributions made in support of this most important community project,” Mr Saubolle added.

People can make donations here.