Speculation mounting for second rave at Offaly heritage site

Speculation is growing in the county that a second rave has been planned at Durrow Abbey House, a famous monastic site just outside Tullamore. 

There was widespread criticism earlier in the year when it emerged a similar event had taken place at the site on New Year's Eve. 

Speaking in January, Barry Cowen TD said: "Recently we have seen what can only be described as the misuse of the site. Without any communication to the local community, the Abbey House was used for a rave party on New Year’s Eve with buses parked on slip roads and pulling up at the entrance on the N52."

The Durrow High Cross Committee, who have been fighting for the development of Durrow Abbey House and Monastic Site as a tourist attraction, met with Minister Kevin Boxer Moran in Leinster House to discuss its ownership and use.

The Offaly Express understands that a second rave has been planned for the end of March at Durrow Abbey, which has been dubbed 'DÜRT Castle' and referred to as a 'secret location' on social media material. 

Promotional material for the New Year's Eve 'opening' party used imagery of Durrow Abbey in its references to DÜRT. The same organisers have now posted about 'DÜRT Part 2.'

A recent post read: "On the third day Jesus rose from his slumber and loudly declared 'all roads lead to DÜRT castle.'" They described the event as "the biggest one-day festival before the summer festival season truly commences." 

Durrow is the site of one of the earliest and most important monasteries founded by St Columcille around the year 550. It is the most likely birthplace of the Book of Durrow, a medieval manuscript gospel book predating the Book of Kells and now on display at Trinity College Dublin.

Located at the site of the former monastery, Durrow Abbey House is described by An Taisce as a structure of "significant historical importance requiring conservation works to prevent further deterioration." It recommends the building is improved for conservation, commercial and residential use. 

One concerned resident said: "If something is not done to preserve this building soon it will be lost to future generations who may have an interest in the building that stretches beyond trampling its hallowed halls during a rave."

Tullamore gardaí told us that they were aware of the New Year's Eve event at Durrow Abbey House but insisted they had not been forced to respond to any incidents.

It's understood the event organisers come from Dublin and bring their own security personnel. 

The planned rave on March 30 had not come to garda attention prior to contact from the Offaly Express.