Durrow Abbey, Co. Offaly, is an important monastic settlement located approximately eight kilometres north of Tullamore, Co. Offaly. It is the site of a 6th century monastery founded by St. Colmcille. Durrow or Dairmagh (The Plain of Oaks) was a major centre of learning and monasticism and has a connection with Iona in Scotland.
Durrow Cross, graveslabs and motte, located within the circa 80 acre Durrow Demesne, are National Monuments (Nos. 313 and 678) in the care of the Office of Public Works (OPW). St Columba’s Church, which houses the Durrow High Cross, is also a National Monument in State care and dates from the late medieval period. This High Cross is 3.16 meters tall and elaborately carved.
St. Columba's Church was closed to the public in 2020 due to concerns regarding the condition of the building fabric and the safety of visitors. Detailed condition surveys were commissioned to inform the scope of necessary conservation and electrical upgrading works. Off-site conservation repairs to the pews are underway in Trim and on site repairs to the floor and pews will be undertaken by the OPW carpenters and joiners in the coming months.
Currently, visitors can view the Durrow High Cross through a screen at the Church entrance. This is a necessary temporary measure while interior maintenance and conservation works are being completed.
Extensive roofing repair works were completed successfully to the Gate Lodge in 2025 at the Kilbeggan entrance to the demesne. This was to prevent water ingress and arrest further deterioration of this building, following a spate of vandalism.
The re-opening of St. Columba's Church to visitors is a high priority project for the OPW in 2026.
