abbeys ireland

Situated on the site of an earlier monastery founded in the 7th century, this is an Augustinian Abbey founded possibly in the 12th century, and now in the grounds of Ashford Castle. it probably replaces a church which was burnt in 1137. The present Abbey may have been built by Turlough O'Connor, King of Connacht, or else by one of the O'Duffys. Of the church itself comparatively little remains, and the fine Romanesque doorway was inserted into the north wall in modern times. This doorway con...

The Abbey of St. John, called after St. John the Baptist, was situated on a lofty eminence and was endowed in the days of St. Patrick. It passed into the ownership of a Mr. Hudson, who called it the Manor of St. John and today gives us the name Hodson Bay. The annual feastday was on the 25th June and, for years, large numbers gathered there to celebrate the feast. But, in later years, the scene changed and dealers from Athlone availed of the opportunity to set up a market where everything from...

A Cistercian Abbey built in 1200 AD. Currently under restoration. Founded by William the Earl Marshal, in fulfillment of his promise - made when on a stormy sea voyage - to do so if the Lord spared him....

The building that is now the Abbey was erected in the 1830's as a residence by the Barrington family....

This was founded in 1241 by Meiler de Bermingham.
Accidentally burned in 1423, it was re-built with a central tower and the present northern doorway. Restored in 1638-44, it was declared a university for the Dominican Order by decree of a General Chapter held in Rome.
In 1652, however the Cromwellians totally wrecked the place....

This Abbey, standing on the site of an island monastery founded in the 6th century by St. Maelanfaidh, was re-founded for the Canons Regular of St. Augustine towards the close of the 12th century. The buildings now form a square around a cloister garth. The church is rectangular, and may contain elements from an older church; it is lighted by 10 fine lancet windows. On the east side of the cloister is the Chapter Room, where Raymond Le Gros is said to have been buried in 1186, while there is...

The church of this Cistercian Abbey was re-roofed in 1975 and thus was restored to its former glory one of the finest of Irish 15th century churches. The foundation was originally Benedictine (1169), but in 1180 Cistercian monks were brought by Donal Mor O'Brien from Monasteraneagh, Co. Limerick (q.v.) to re-found the monastery and the Charter of the Abbey was confirmed in 1186. Little remains of the original abbey building, though the processional door leading from the south aisle to the clo...

William Marshall founded an Abbey here for the Cistercians in 1207, though the monks may have settled here before that date. One of the best preserved Cistercian abbeys in Ireland, its church - splendidly restored in 1974-1980- consists of a nave and chancel with an aisle on each side. Although earlier restorations of 1813 and 1886 have covered much of the walls, the decoration of the capitals and the shapes of the arches can still be seen. The present floor of the church is about 7 feet abov...

The original monastery was founded int eh 6th century by St. Cuan or St. Breoghan, but was re-founded for the Augustinians by the Power family, presumably in the 13th century. It was closely associated with St. Catherine's Abbey in Waterford. After the Suppression of the Monasteries in 1537, it passed to the Powers, but they were dispossessed half a century later. Some few medieval wall fragments remain, but the best surviving feature is a tomb by Roricus O'Comayn, with the following panels;...

As you travel from Keadue to Ballyfarnon you reach Kilronan Cemetery containing the ruins of Kilronan Abbey, built in the 6th century. Twice burned down, it was last rebuilt in the 17th century. In the cemetery is the grave of Turlough O'Carolan, harper, composer, poet and singer.

Born in Nobber, Co.Meath, in 1670 and blinded by smallpox as a child, he came to the home of Mrs. McDermott Roe of Alderford, Ballyfarnon, who befriended him. Having educated him and furthered his musical st...