abbeys graiguenamanagh

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...