What are the monasteries in Ireland that you really shouldn’t miss? Of these church buildings there are quite a few, many of them in ruins, but for the discerning tourist, the choice seems to be overwhelming. So which Irish monasteries should you visit when traveling on the Emerald Isle? You will run into many, in fact, too many to even be properly marked.
Because when Saint Patrick introduced Christianity to the Irish, he often founded a monastery to keep the flame alive. And from AD 432 until the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII, monasticism flourished in Ireland. First in a specific “Celtic” manner, then spearheaded by the European orders. Ruins and remains of monasteries are still numerous in Ireland, and you really should include a few in your plans.
Glendalough – Wicklow County
Direction
Derrybawn , Glendalough , Co. Wicklow , IrlandaGet directions
Telephone
+353 404 45325
Web
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This must be the Big Daddy, as both the stunning scenery and the sprawling ‘monastic city’ are easily accessible (from a distance point of view) from Dublin.
Here Saint Kevin sought inspiration and peace, his followers founded a monastery on the site near the two lakes. The loneliness in the Wicklow Mountains must certainly have attracted monks who turn away from “worldly life.”
Even today, the path is not the easiest. And while the monks are long gone, Glendalough’s impressive remains (including a cathedral and a full round tower) tell of past glory.
Nendrum – County Down
Direction
Mahee Island , Comber , Newtownards BT23 6EP , UKGet directions
Telephone
+44 28 9082 3207
Web
Visit the website
This was a ‘lost’ monastery and its location on a remote island off Strangford Lough in County Down makes it even better. Although its round tower is nothing more than a stump and other remains are rare, the small visitor center tells the interesting history of this settlement. And on a good day, the view from Nendrum across the lake is simply breathtaking. Be prepared for a bit of curvy driving though.
Kells – County Meath
Although the modern city has invaded it, the monastic district that was formerly in Kells can still be identified by the design of the road. What does not appeal to the motorist is the historic town of Kells in County Meath.
The round tower in one corner of the cemetery contrasts with the later partial medieval church tower. And you can also find several tall crosses, one in an interesting incomplete state.
Mellifont – County
Direction
Mellifont , Mellifont Abbey , Co. Louth , IrlandaGet directions
A short distance from Monasterboice (see below), Mellifont Abbey in County Louth heralded the advent of ‘continental’ monasticism in Ireland. The buildings were designed according to demanding plans and most are still traceable today. Although Mellifont is mostly made up of ruins, the splendid basin bears witness to its past glories.
Fore Abbey – County Westmeath
Direction
Collinstown , Fore Abbey , Co. Westmeath , IrlandaGet directions
You may be wrong at first: From a distance, Fore Abbey in County Westmeath has a certain ‘castle’ feel to it. Not without reason, as this was a fortified monastery built to withstand the strange hostile visitation of less pious contemporaries. Even in its ruined state, it still conveys a sense of power and security. The best views can be seen from the elevated dovecote.
Bective Abbey – County Meath
Direction
R161 , Ballina , Co. Meath , IrlandaGet directions
Web
Visit the website
Another monastery resembling a fortress, at first glance, Bective Abbey in County Meath appears to guard the Boyne Cross nearby, and can actually be visited when the splendid Boyne Valley Drive is made.
Many parts of the building are still fairly intact, although the cellars are not easily accessible. A place to explore and the parking facilities have improved a lot in recent years, as has the (free) access.
Chapter House of Saint Mary – Dublin
Direction
Off Capel Street , North City , Dublin 1 , IrelandGet directions
This is one of Dublin’s hidden attractions, literally, as the chapter house of the once mighty St Mary’s Abbey (which gave Abbey Street its name) is underground today.
And incorporated in later buildings. Rarely visited by tourists it is a rare delight. Although the building itself is simple, its history is fascinating. And it will give you a memory of Dublin not shared by many other visitors. But check the very limited opening hours before hiking here!
Monasterboice – County Louth
Direction
Louth, Monasterboice , Co. Louth , IrlandaGet directions
It will be difficult to find the monastery here, Monasterboice has changed too much in recent centuries for immediate identification of what used to be the ‘monastic district’. But a considerable round tower remains. Like some splendid tall crosses that are among the best in Ireland.
Jerpoint Abbey – County Kilkenny
Direction
Jockeyhall , Thomastown , Co. Kilkenny , IrlandaGet directions
Telephone
+353 56 772 4623
Web
Visit the website
If you’re looking for medieval stone carvings, Jerpoint Abbey in County Kilkenny is the place to go – the building is in pretty good shape (for a ruin) and the columns surrounding the inner courtyard still bear witness to the art of the bricklayer. .
Skellig Michael – County Kerry
As for ‘remote’, no monastery would be more remote than the one at Skellig Michael in County Kerry, a rocky outcrop off the Irish Atlantic coast.
Here the monks lived in prayer, contemplation and (one suspects) damp and cold conditions to test the patience and endurance of the saints. With the waves making it impossible to hear yourself sometimes thinking. Get ready for a boat ride and steep steps.
And if those ancient beehive huts were formed a long time ago, they remind you of a galaxy far, far away; Yes, parts of the Star Wars saga were filmed here. Luke Skywalker chose this island as his hideout, to escape from it all.
