Drumcree: Churches and Historic Country Houses

Drumcree and Kilcumny offer an unusually layered journey through the history of churches and country houses. Freestanding churches, a cemetery within an early medieval monastic site, and distinctive buildings from several centuries give the area a clear cultural identity. If you are looking for historic buildings and their stories rather than a single experience on your trip, you will find a range of subjects here that can be considered together.

Churches and History in Kilcumny

Saint John's Church (Kilcumny) is a freestanding Church of Ireland church that was rebuilt around 1811. Stained glass, interior plasterwork and dressed stone details lend artistic significance to its interior and design. It is also a prominent local landmark and a reminder of the once-thriving Church of Ireland community in North Westmeath. For culturally minded travellers, this building brings together architecture and the history of a once-important religious community.

Kilcumny cemetery lies within an early medieval monastic site. Family vaults and Smyth family tombs point to the family’s connection with the country estates of Glananea and Drumcree. The pre-1700 church and the monastic site are also of archaeological significance. Kilcumny thus brings together several layers of history: the early medieval monastic site, the older church and the Smyth family’s memorials. Those interested in local history can view these as different ways of exploring the past.

Country Houses and Their Architectural Details

Glananea House was built around 1795 as a two-storey Neoclassical country house over a basement. Its six bays define the clearly articulated façade. The house was designed by Samuel Woolley for Ralph Smyth and was originally known as “Ralphsdale”, after its patron. The name and building history give the country house a personal as well as architectural dimension: in addition to its exterior form, the connection between patron and design can also be traced.

Glananea House gate lodge offers a different emphasis. Dating from around 1850, it is an example of the Gothic Revival. Ornamental bargeboards and limestone ashlar details provide distinctive accents. The country house’s Neoclassical character and the gate lodge’s Gothic Revival forms offer two different perspectives on historic architecture. For anyone travelling with an interest in architectural styles, this contrast is a reason in its own right to explore the history of the country houses.

At Drumcree House, the practical and agricultural aspects of a country estate take centre stage. A barrel-vaulted service tunnel was built around 1800 and connected the main house with the farmyard to the northwest. The outbuildings offer insight into the agricultural activities of a 19th-century country estate. A cast-iron water pump at Drumcree House is also an early surviving example of industrially manufactured cast-iron goods. Together, the tunnel, farm buildings and pump draw attention not only to formal architecture, but also to estate services, work and manufactured goods.

Another historic architectural ensemble comprises Glebe House and the former Church of Ireland church in Drumcree. Glebe House was a Church of Ireland rectory, built around 1811, and is situated southeast of Drumcree within extensive old grounds. Its former purpose and association with the former church make this a different chapter in local church history from that of the freestanding Saint John's Church in Kilcumny. When choosing a holiday rental, you may want to consider Drumcree in particular if church and architectural history are the focus of your trip.

Locating Drumcree Geographically

As a point of reference, the R395 regional road runs through Drumcree between Delvin, Castlepollard and Edgeworthstown. This gives you a specific geographical reference point when planning your visit. The historic themes offer a different focus: in Kilcumny, the church, cemetery and monastic site take centre stage, while the country houses provide insight into architecture, family connections and agricultural history. Drumcree can therefore be considered as a destination for a culturally and historically focused trip, with your choice of accommodation guided by your own interests.

Other places: Moate, Rathowen, Killachonna, Kilbeggan, Killinure, Athlone, Multyfarnham, Castletown Geoghegan.

For the wider travel overview: County Westmeath.