Opening of Ffrench's Mausoleum and a viewing of the 1891 Census of Monivea

The mausoleum was commissioned by Kathleen de Kindiard in 1897 to house the remains of her father Robert Percy Ffrench . It is in the form of a medieval towerhouse, and took four years to build. Wicklow granite was transported for the walls and crenelated parapet. There is a battered base plinth and armorial shield. There are paired stained glass ogee-headed windows to north and south with coats of arms of related families and a tripartite tracery window to east. Stained glass is by Mayer of Munich. The pointed-arched timber entrance door to the west has decorative strapwork hinges. The interior has a magnificent marble recumbent effigy of Robert with stone staircase descending to the crypt beneath.
The architect was reportedly Francis Persse, younger brother of Lady Augusta Gregory, founder of the Abbey Theatre. When Kathleen died in 1938 she too was laid to rest in the crypt of the mausoleum. Her cousin Rosamund is buried outside the building. Mass is celebrated in the Mausoleum each summer.
To supplement this visit to the Mausoleum we will have a copy of the very rare document '1891 census of Monivea locality' available to view. If any copies of the limited print edition remain from the book launch in the Fr Sammon centre on August 15th , they can be purchased for €10 at the mausoleum open day. You can drive right up to the Mausoleum through the wood or walk from the village. There are several Bus Eireann services to Monivea village daily.

The mausoleum is situated in Monivea Wood. To drive to the mausoleum enter the wood through the two pillars at the end of the village, towards Monivea Rugby pitch. Keeping slightly left take the tarred roadway until you see a sign for the Mausoleum. Turn right and drive slowly through the wood road until you arrive at the Mausoleum in the clearing.
By public transport, Route 425A Galway to Mountbellew stops in Monivea village. Near Cooke's shop, enter the wood through two stone pillars towards the rugby pitch. The shortest walking route is via the Mass path. Entry to the mass path is just to the left of the rugby field. When you come to a crossing turn right off the mass path and walk through the wood roadway until you come to the mausoleum in the clearing. Note: Some damage was caused by storm Eowyn and Coillte has notices to that effect in the wood.