High priestess of Carlow-based ‘Fellowship of Isis’ cult dies, aged 96

Olivia Durdin Robertson lived with her extended family in Huntington Castle in Clonegal, on the Carlow-Wexford border

Olivia Durdin Robertson, who co-founded the Fellowship of Isis with her late brother Lawrence Alexander Durdin Robertson – a former Anglican clergyman – and his wife Pamela


Olivia Durdin Robertson, the self-styled "high priestess" of a Co Carlow-based cult devoted to an ancient Egyptian goddess, has died aged 96.

Ms Durdin Robertson came to international attention in the 1970s when she co-founded the "Fellowship of Isis" with her late brother Lawrence Alexander Durdin Robertson – a former Anglican clergyman – and his wife Pamela.


Huntington Castle
She lived with her extended family in Huntington Castle in the village of Clonegal on the Carlow-Wexford border.

Her nephew David Durdin Robertson, a craftsman and sculptor who predeceased her in 2009, created an Egyptian temple for her in the dungeons of the castle.

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In recent years this has been opened to the public for tours at Halloween.

Alexander Durdin Robertson said his great-aunt had died on Thursday in Wexford General Hospital following a short illness.

Her funeral on Wednesday will begin with "a private ceremony in the temple, organised by the Fellowship of Isis, by invitation only" followed by a public Church of Ireland service at St Fiacc's in Clonegal.

He said the fellowship had “20,000 to 30,000” members worldwide.

A pre-planned auction of architectural salvage items in Huntington Castle scheduled for Monday will go ahead.

Michael Parsons

Michael Parsons

Michael Parsons is a contributor to The Irish Times writing about fine art and antiques