Ballintubber Abbey
West Ireland | County Mayo
Ballintubber Abbey (Tobar Padraic) is located 12 km south of Castlebar, near the village of Ballintubber (2km off road N84) in County Mayo. It was founded in 1216 by King of Connacht, Cathal O’Conor (Cathal Crobhdearg Ua Conchobair) and is known as the Ireland’s only royal abbey that has been in continuous use until today. Even in the time of dissolution of monasteries and after the cloister was burnt by Cromwell's troops, Catholic Masses were still celebrated here, in roofless ruined abbey. The first restoration of the Ballintubber Abbey was attempted in 1846. The plan was to re-roof the nave as well as the transepts, but it failed because of Great Famine. In 1966, on the 750th anniversary, the nave was restored and re-roofed. The Chapter House and Dorter area were reconstructed in 1997, and the entire re-roofing of the Ballintubber Abbey is to be completed in 2016, on the 800th anniversary. In the east wing there is small museum, of which the exhibition and video show the history of monastery. Irish actor Pierce Brosnan as well singers Tony Lundon from Liberty X and Shane Filan from Westlife got married here.
- OPENING HOURS :
- Daily from 9.00am to 12 midnight
- Guided tours:
- Mon - Fri: 9.30 - 17
- Sat & Sun: by arrangement
- CONTACT :
- Phone: +353 949030934
- CAR PARK :
- Yes
Photos from Ballintubber Abbey
