graiguenamanagh duiske cistercian abbey and cross

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 above its original level. The chancel, the crossing and the east window give the best idea of what the church was like. In the Baptistery off the south aisle is a very fine transitional doorway of early 13th century date, and the church also preserves a fine 13th century effigy of a knight. The chapter house and many of the domestic quarters are smothered by modern buildings to the south of the church, but while a visit is not recommended , they contain some fine architectural features. One Richard O'Nolan was besieged in the tower of the Abbey in 1330, and in 1346 the Abbot was fined forty shillings for having harboured outlaws in the Abbey.