Ballinafad College from the Ground

Ballinafad College was an estate owned originally by the Blake family. The Blakes have been an important part of Western Irish history throughout much of the modern era (Michigan State University, 2009).

Although the estate is not visible directly from the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail, one of its many entrances is indeed visible from the trail. Ballinafad’s gates are located across from the Bridgemont House estate on the way to Gweeshadan (Michigan State University, 2009).

Ballinafad House—as it was then known—was gifted to the ‘Society of African Missions’ by Llewellyn Count Blake in May of 1908. Soon after, in September 1908, the ‘Society of African Missions’ opened the building to house students preparing themselves for the missionary priesthood as a ‘minor seminary’ or secondary school. It was called ‘Sacred Heart College’ (Society of African Missions, 2009).

In September of 2008, the opening of the College was marked by its centenary. The centenary was celebrated on the 26th of September at Mayo Abbey, which is nearby the College, where mass was celebrated in Mayo Abbey parish church. The main priest celebrating the mass was John Dunne, and he was joined by the parish priest of Mayo Abbey Austin Fergus. There were also several SMA missionaries present. The sizeable congregation included former students, teachers and workers of the College (Society of African Missions, 2009).

Ballinafad College from the Air

In October 2013, the 60,000 square foot property was put up for sale at public auction. The former College includes a church and has 50 bedrooms and numerous classrooms. Ballinafad House, as it has come to be known, is situated on circa 7.19 acres and has magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. The property is a ‘protected structure.’ It is a detached five bay, 2 storey structure over a raised basement, built circa 1827. It was extended to an 11-bay structure, circa 1908 (Myhome.ie, 2013).

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