After almost three years of conservation work, the 15th century bells of St. Mary’s Abbey, Howth have finally gone on display in the rotunda of the National Museum of Ireland on Kildare Street. The three bronze bells were likely commissioned by the St. Lawrence family in the 15th century and were hung from the bellcote of the abbey until the mid-18th century.
Following some damage to the bells in the abbey in the 18th century, they were moved to the safety of Howth Castle where they stayed until 2022 when the Gaisford-St. Lawrence family decided to donate the bells to the nation.
Very few bells of this kind survived the dissolution of the monasteries and abbeys making them a rare collection. Speaking of their importance, the late Christopher Gaisford-St. Lawrence said that “the story of these bells is the story of Howth.” Since their removal from the castle, the bells have been extensively conserved and we are proud that they now occupy a position of extreme prominence in the NMI.
This project was made possible due to the efforts of the Gaisford-St. Lawrence family, the NMI and others. An honourable mention is owed to Lorcan Blake of the Howth Peninsula Heritage Society for his work and dedication to this project.
A second part of the display, with a model and information panels, is yet to be placed alongside the bells but next time you pay a visit to Kildare Street, be sure to stop by and take a look at the display!
Posted on 14 Feb 2025.
