Historic Tobar Mhuire is to be transformed after Lottery grant

Historic Tobar Mhuire is to be transformed after Lottery grant

31 July 2013

WORK to improve access to the historic Tobar Mhuire Monastery grounds in Crossgar is to get underway thanks to a £54,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The grant, which was awarded to Outdoor Recreation NI, will be used to increase access to the extensive grounds and interpret the natural, cultural and built heritage of this historic site.

The new project will open up and increase access to the site by creating three kilometres of sustainable heritage trails that will be suitable for walking and cycling.

An eco-trail will also be created and through this network local people will be able to actively participate in outdoor recreation and engage with the natural environment.

A series of interpretation panels will be installed to share the heritage of the site and enable people to learn more about the biodiversity and natural heritage of the area as well as the history of Crossgar.

Local community volunteers will play a key role in the development and delivery of the project by researching the local heritage, developing educational resources for the eco trail, clearing trail corridors, acting as volunteer trail rangers and training as community walk leaders.

Tobar Mhuire has a rich cultural heritage primarily surrounding the manor house, the church and grounds which was for generations the estate of the Crossgar family.

Originally called Crossgar House, the manor house was first built in 1813 and has a colourful past that includes use as a base for storing rum and tobacco and for gunrunning.

Occupied by American and British troops during World War Two, the house is believed to be the site of one of the seven ancient chapels of Kilmore, dating from 800 AD. It’s presently a modern day retreat and conference centre run by the Passionist Order.

After work on the £54,000 project is completed, Tobar Mhuire will host an outreach programme of regular activities such as guided walks, treasure hunts for families, heritage open days, nature counts and other organised events in conjunction with local groups and organisations including the Ulster Wildlife Trust.

Mr. Paul Mullan, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Northern Ireland, described the Tobar Mhuire project as “fantastic,” explaining it will increase access to and knowledge of an important local heritage asset.

He added: “The network of trails and programme to attract volunteers and encourage participation will enable local people to really get involved in creating better recreational facilities at the site. We are delighted to support this project.”

Outdoor Recreation NI, which will work in partnership with the Passionist Order to deliver the project objectives, said it’s delighted to receive funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to enhance the recreation and interpretation of the unique heritage of Tobar Mhuire, which it described as a “gem” within the Crossgar area.