The Shed Distillery plans major work to convert Drumshanbo Methodist Church into 'event space'

The Shed Distillery have submitted a major planning application to Leitrim County Council to convert Drumshanbo Methodist church into an event space.

The application, submitted by the popular distillery on Friday, would change the use of the building from a church to a "community cultural event space", and would involve refitting the interior of the protected structure and adding external signage.

The Methodist church, which was built in 1860, held its final sermon in December 2023, and was eventually sold in April 2024 due to dwindling attendance and no resident minister.

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North Connaught Methodists said the proceeds of the sale of the church building in Drumshanbo were used to purchase an apartment that "can provide much needed student accommodation for those taking 3rd level courses in Sligo".

A decision has not yet been made on the proposed plans, but the distillery has brought major business to the town through tours and production of their popular Drumshambo Irish gin. 

The planned work would also include works to the exterior of the building comprising of cleaning, redecoration and replacement of non-original rainwater goods to "restore the character of the structure". 

The new owners of the church intend to retain the original features of the building, and also hope to restore the church organ, which was installed in the church in 1910.