2025:638 - Moone Abbey Tower, Moone, Kildare

Archaeological Management Solutions (AMS) were engaged to undertake archaeological monitoring of conservation works carried out at Moone Abbey Tower, Moone, Co. Kildare (KD036-032—-).

Moone Abbey Tower is a medieval masonry defensive structure situated on the banks of the River Greese. The tower house is located in a historic landscape, adjacent to Moone Church (KD036-031001-) and High Cross (KD036-031005-). It was later absorbed into the setting of the adjacent eighteenth-century Moone Abbey House (RPS 11903614). The tower house displays a number of phases of alterations and adaptations, which in the eighteenth or nineteenth century culminated in its adaptation as a dovecote.

The conservation works, funded under Stream 1 of the Community Monuments Fund 2025 (CMF Ref. CMF25-1-KD002), include interventions informed by recommendations outlined in the Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for the site, which was grant funded under Stream 2 of the 2022 CMF (CMF22-2-KD001) and prepared by AMS and a multi-disciplinary team (O’Flynn et al. 2022). The 2025 phase of conservation works addressed structural and weathering issues at roof level, which were resolved through the removal of vegetation, repair of the brick-domed roof, and weatherproofing of the parapets and gutters in traditional materials. The scaffold required for these works was also used to facilitate the repair of structural cracks and to rectify loss of mortar to the stonework of the perimeter walls, particularly the very thin-walled north-eastern part of the tower. Localised loose ashlar fenestration was reseated and openings to the tower house were grilled and guarded to prevent bird entry. The works were managed by a multi-disciplinary team of experienced consultants including a Project Archaeologist specialising in built heritage, a Conservation Architect and Conservation/Structural Engineer. The works were undertaken by a specialised conservation contractor.

No groundworks were undertaken during the conservation works to ensure that subsurface archaeology was not disturbed. The key aim of the archaeological monitoring was to ensure that no archaeological remains were adversely impacted during the conservation process and that any newly exposed features and/or fabric were investigated and fully recorded.

Monitoring of conservation works brought a better understanding of the whole structure. Four construction phases were identified based on a visual analysis of the masonry style, in addition to historical and cartographical analysis. These include the following: Phase One tentatively comprises a possible thirteenth-century phase of construction, which needs further corroboration through graphic documentation and mortar/material analysis. Phase Two relates to the construction of the tower house in the fifteenth century. Phase Three consists of an extended restoration of the building involving the rebuild of the upper eastern sector of the house and the adjustment/rebuilding of the spiral staircase. Phase Four saw the insertion of an internal red-brick dovecote most likely during the eighteenth century.

The conservation works had an overall direct positive impact on the historic building which was in a state of decay and at risk of collapsing in some upper parts. Further conservation works are planned for 2026/2027, subject to funding.