knockmoy cistercian abbey

Knockmoy Cistercian Abbey

Knockmoy
Galway
Galway
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An Abbey dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and founded for the Cistercians from Boyle in 1189-90 by Cathal Crovdearg O'Connor, King of Connacht. The church has a nave, chancel and a transept with two chapels. The nave is simple and austere, with little ornament except at the top of the pillars. In contrast, the rib-vaulted chancel has beautifully carved stonework with fine capitals and east windows. It has a 13th century tomb niche.

On the north wall of the chancel is a unique Irish medieval line-painting. The bottom of the picture shows an angel with scales (now almost invisible), Christ with his hand raised in blessing, and the martyrdom of St. Sebastian. Above is a scene from the medieval morality legend of the Three Dead Kings and the Three Live Kings. Under the Dead Kings was the inscription 'We have been as you are, you shall be as we are', while the Live Kings seem to be part of a hawking scene. It was commissioned probably around 1400 by Malachie O'Nollan and Conaire O'Eddichan.

Description

Knockmoy Cistercian Abbey

Description

Except for the black outlines, none of the original colours remains. The central tower of the church, now partly fallen, was probably inserted in the 15th century. The east wing of the domestic building is well preserved, although the effect of the excellently carved windows of the Chapter House was ruined when the room was divided into three parts in the 14th or 15th century. Fragments of a 15th century cloister have been recovered, and parts of the refectory on the south side of the domestic buildings can still be seen.

The monastery was plundered in 1200 and again in 1228. In 1240 the Abbot was censured for having had his hair washed by a woman! After the Dissolution, the Abbey passed to Hugh O'Kelly and various others, and in 1662 was granted to Valentine Blake, and remained in the hands of his descendants until the last century.

Accommodation in surrounding areas

Galway City

Around Galway City \ Salthill

Galway County

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