Follies Trust Kilbixy lectures

Following two successful study days on the Malone mausoleum, Kilbixy, in October 2022, the Follies Trust is organising two lectures on the mausoleum, on June 1 and 7.

The first talk is on Thursday June 1 at 7pm in All Saints Church, Mullingar, when Richard McLoughlin will lecture on ‘The restoration of the Malone mausoleum, Kilbixy in 2023’ and Ruth Illingworth will lecture on ‘Kilbixy: the history of a lost town’.

Richard is an RIAI Grade 1 conservation architect; director and co-founder of Lotts Architecture. He is the architect in charge of the conservation of the Malone mausoleum by the Follies Trust, which will commence in late June.

Ruth is an historian and tour guide in Mullingar. She is author of several books including ‘The Little Book of Westmeath’.

On June 7 at 5.30pm in the Irish Architectural Archive, 45 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, Dr Finbar McCormick will lecture on ‘The Kilbixy mausoleum and the Malone family.’

Finbar taught archaeology in Queen’s University, Belfast, for many years before retiring in 2019. He has published widely and is currently researching Irish holy wells. Finbar is a Trustee of the Follies Trust and in 2022 undertook a survey of the vault of the Malone mausoleum.

The Follies Trust, a voluntary organisation, has undertaken repair work to historical buildings and structures throughout Ireland and the conservation of the Malone Mausoleum is the latest project.

The trust is grateful to Rev Canon Alastair Graham and the Select Vestry for use of All Saints Church and to the Irish Architectural Archive for hosting the second lecture. The trust acknowledges funding for the project from the Historical Structures Fund, The Heritage Council and individuals who have made donations.

There is no charge for the lecture but donations are gratefully appreciated to help the Follies Trust to bridge the funding gap.