History of St. Aidan's Church Monasteraden
Monasteraden VillageMonasteraden (Mainistir Réadáin in Irish meaning Aidan's Monastery) is a small village located on the shores of Lough Gara in south Co. Sligo. The village, church and school take their name from St. Aidan who set up his monastery near the village. The village contains a pub, a small shop and post office, a church and a national school.
St. Aidans church has been the focal point of the local area since it's construction in 1885. Built at the heart of the village between two main roads, it is easily visible to all who pass by. |
History of MonasteradenMonasteraden village has a wide and varied history. St Aidan founded his monastery outside the village. Today the local cemetery is located within the ruin walls of the old monastery. The circular plan of the former monastery can be seen in the aerial view.
St. Attracta's well is located on the outskirts of the village in the townland of townamuclagh. Legend says that St. Attracta met St. Partrick here where he blessed the well. |
The MacDermott FamilyIn times of British occupation, much of the land in the area was owned and controlled by the MacDermott family who were the nearby landlords.
The MacDermott family history can be traced back hundreds of years and is closely linked with the counties of Sligo and Roscommon. In fact, the original seat of the MacDermott family was located in a castle on an island on Lough Key. During their time here, the family was known as the Kings of Moylurg. The MacDermotts purchased the estate in Coolavin outside Monasteraden in the late 1800s where their descendants have lived until the passing of Madam Felicity MacDermott in 2013. The MacDermotts are held in high regard in the locality due to their generosity and the employment they created in the area. |