Malone Mausoleum, Kilbixy, Co Westmeath

WORK TO CONSERVE THE MALONE MAUSOLEUM IS COMPLETE!

The Follies Trust were delighted to be able to complete work on this amazing structure in November 2023.

On 26 November a Service of Thanksgiving was held in St Bigseach’s Church, Kilbixy, attended by over 70 people!

The Rector, Canon Alastair Graham, welcomed everyone and paid tribute to the Follies Trust, Lotts Architecture, architect Richard McLoughlin and Madigan Conservation.

It was a delightful occasion with rousing hymns and wise words from the Rector. Follies Trustees, Robert Logan and Bernadette Solon, read the lessons and the Chairman of the Follies Trust, Primrose Wilson, thanked all concerned for their funding, their skilled work and dedication and the Select Vestry for their co-operation. She paid tribute to Melanie McQuade, Heritage Officer, and David Miller for all their help and support.

This project was funded by Historic Structures Fund, Westmeath County Council, the Heritage Council, the Follies Trust, the Irish Georgian Society and many generous donations from private individuals.

Pictured after the Service – Eoin Madigan with the team from Madigan Conservation – David, Louise & Darragh.

Richard McLoughlin, Frances, Faye & Charlie Madigan and the Chairman and Hon Secretary of the Follies Trust.

On 15 February at a lecture in the Irish Architectural Archive, Merrion Square, Dublin, at 6pm Richard McLoughlin will outline the project to conserve the Malone mausoleum.

On 21 March Eoin Madigan from Madigan Conservation, will explain the project and the craft skills required from the contractor’s perspective. This lecture will be at 6pm in IAA also.

Michael Craig described this structure as James Wyatt’s ‘mini- Halicarnassus at Kilbixy’. It is indeed a fine mausoleum in need of conservation which is why the Follies Trust is committed to conserving it.

If you would like to make a donation please send to our Hon. Treasurer, Dr Robert Logan, 19 Pineview Court, Gilford, Craigavon BT63 6AY or alternatively by bank transfer to

AIB – Account name: Follies Trust -the / sort code 93-33-84/account number 43025-004/ IBAN- IE53 AIBK 9333 8443 0250 04/ BIC- AIBKIE2D (euro)

AIB – Account name: The Follies Trust/ sort code 93-84-08 /account number 07951-014 / IBAN – GB82 FTBK 9384 0807 9510 14/ BIC – FTBKGB2B (sterling)

Please advise us if you make a donation so we can ensure you are invited to attend the project completion event!

We are also delighted to announce the offer of a grant from the Heritage Council and another from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. These are generous grants and The Follies Trust is extremely grateful for their support.

View Drawings & Photographic Survey

The Follies Trust is delighted to advise that work to conserve the Malone mausoleum started on 1 August 2023. On 15 August, as part of Heritage Week, from 12.30-16.30, the Follies Trust, Lotts Architects and the contractor, Eoin Madigan, will be on site to explain how the conservation of the mausoleum is being undertaken. [Please note there will be no access into the mausoleum as it is a working site].

We are grateful to the Rector and Select Vestry of Mullingar Union of Parishes for their assistance with holding this event.
The funding to undertake this project was raised from a variety of different sources including:

The Historic Structures Fund
Westmeath County Council
The Heritage Council
The Follies Trust and
Generous private donations’