Discover these Historic Abbeys throughout Ireland

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Inch Abbey, County Down

Tourism Ireland has compiled a handy guide to historic abbeys on the island of Ireland that tell fascinating stories of the island’s religion, history and culture.  

Jerpoint Abbey, County Kilkenny
The King of Ossory founded Jerpoint Abbey in 1158 and the site offers a unique glimpse into the life of the Cistercian monks who once inhabited it. A guided tour will bring the site to life, delving into its history and explaining the meaning of the splendid carvings and sculptures. There is also a visitor centre with an exhibition.

Inch Abbey, County Down
The ruins of this small abbey on the bank of the Quoile River tell a tale or two. It was built by John de Courcy, an Anglo-Norman knight who arrived in Ireland in 1176 and conquered a considerable territory on the island. He built Inch in atonement for having destroyed the Erenagh Abbey nearby. The atmospheric ruins have appeared in Game of Thrones as the site of Robb Stark’s camp.


Monasterboice, County Louth
The remarkable round tower and high crosses at the sixth-century monastic site of Monasterboice are world famous. Muiredach's High Cross, which stands 5.5 metres high, is regarded as the finest high cross on the island of Ireland. It features biblical carvings of both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. The tranquil site is a great place to discover Ireland’s early Christian heritage.

Quin Abbey, County Clare

Quin Abbey, County Clare
One of the best-preserved friaries of its kind in Ireland, fourteenth-century Quin Abbey incorporates parts of the castle that stood there before it, including some of its bastions, and the abbey’s grand cloister is more or less intact. There are stories of the monks hiding gold in the nearby river during penal times but no-one has succeeded in finding the sacred loot.

Fore Abbey, County Westmeath
Fore Abbey, a seventh-century monastery once home to 300 monks, is known for its seven wonders. These include the monastery built on a bog; the mill without a race; the lintel stone raised by St Feichin’s prayers; the tree that won’t burn and the water that won’t boil. The abbey is now a ruin but its impressive remains are worth a visit.


Boyle Abbey, County Roscommon
Boyle Abbey, County Roscommon
This Cistercian monastery was founded in the twelfth century and despite suffering great damage during the Cromwellian occupation it remains a fascinating building. Highlights include its cloisters and many well-preserved stone carvings. A sixteenth/seventeenth-century gatehouse has been restored and turned into an interpretive centre, where you can learn about the abbey’s gripping history.

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