The Cultural Heritage of Convents

Convents are (or were) ubiquitous, often dominating towns and villages. They were such a common feature of the landscape that they became almost invisible, and it is only now, as they are disappearing, that their significance is beginning to be recognised.

There has been limited scholarly interest in the history of convents and their associated buildings and landscapes. It is vital that these sites are recorded now before the inevitable destruction or transformation of the buildings as they are repurposed, sold or demolished. Generally, where the buildings are still in use as convents, they are very well maintained. However, they are closing at a fast rate and as soon as they are no longer in use as convents they are at immediate risk of deterioration. Convent buildings contain a wealth of architectural, artistic, social, historical and cultural significance which are best understood while still in their original use. Further research into, and recording of, this building type and associated landscapes is necessary and urgent.

This report draws from discussions held at a workshop held to consider the significance of the convents and conversations with additional experts who could attend the workshop. The final report has had input from a wide range of disciplines and combines expertise in architectural and landscape history, social and economic history with the history of material culture. The report has two interlinked aims: a) to raise awareness of the urgent necessity to record convents and land associated with female religious orders and, b) to suggest ways to record the material culture and architectural and landscape heritage of Irish convents.

It can be downloaded by clicking on the link below.

Please circulate it as widely as possible & contact me with any queries or suggestions.