Next to the Church of the Little Ark in Kilbaha is Halla Eoin. Originally the National School, the recently refurbished building now houses a Heritage Centre which displays the history of the Little Ark.
It is a tale that begins in the 1600’s with the passing of the Penal Laws, which in effect suppressed Irish culture and Catholicism, creating division and bitterness that lasted for centuries.
Central to the story were two men – the Protestant Marcus Keane, the landlord’s agent who was a harsh evictor in the post-Famine years, and Fr. Michael Meehan, the Catholic parish priest, who was denied a site for building a church. It was the fierce clash between them that led to the building of the Little Ark in 1852 and its now timeworn, fragile frame holds the story of conflict between wealth and poverty, between the powerful and the dispossessed. It was a battle for the hearts and minds of the public not just in Kilbaha but across the world.
The display illustrates the historical background at a national and local level. Archival and reference material is available for further study. There is also information on the building itself as well as records and photographs of past pupils.
A selection of cards, postcards, booklets and small gifts is available to purchase.
The project is run by volunteers and funded by sales and donations.
In addition, there is a year-round programme of events and activities to which visitors are most welcome. Details are on our Facebook page ‘ Halla Eoin Kilbaha’.
OPEN : Friday / Sat / Sun / Monday 11am – 4pm. June to September
