Plans approved to convert Drumshanbo Methodist Church into Shed Distillery 'event space'

Leitrim County Council have issued approval for a a major remodel of a historic building in Drumshanbo.

The Shed Distillery applied in July to convert Drumshanbo Methodist church into what they described as an "event space", with permission granted by the Council for the remodelling on Thursday.

The application, submitted by the popular distillery on Friday 19th July, is set to change the use of the building from a church to a "community cultural event space", and will involve refitting the interior of the protected structure and adding external signage.

The church is located less than 300 metres from the Shed Distillery, as is expected to be incorporated into the main site as another attraction.

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.

Plans to repurpose the church have been widely welcomed by locals, as the building has remained out of use since the beginning of the year.

Leitrim local and Irish dancer Edwina Guckian said in a post online that the planned refurbishment was "the best news", and praised Shed Distillery Managing Director and Founder Patrick J Rigney.

"I really hope it comes through. Thanks for your great vision, Pat and the Shed team," Edwina said.

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".

The approval for the proposed work is expected to provide a significant boost to the local area of Drumshanbo, as the distillery has brought major business to the town through tours and production of their popular Drumshanbo Irish gin.

The Shed Distillery remains one of Ireland's most popular tourist sites in the county, conducting roughly 25,000 tours and bringing in profits of €15.3 million in 2023.

The planned work in the church itself will 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".

Upgrades will also be installed to the mechanical and electrical services throughout the site, and external signs advertising the site will also be installed.

The new owners of the church have said that they 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.

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