Ballintubber Abbey is a beautiful historical site of great sacred importance. The Abbey was founded in 1216 and will celebrate 800 years in 2016. The church was built by King Cathal Crovdearg O’Conor and local folklore tells the story that the king built the church there to repay the kindness of a man he once worked for. The church was originally built in the wrong place and the king vowed to build another church in Ballintubber which was seven times more magnificent. As a result, this small village of Ballintubber has an incredible building.
Steeped in history and legend, the Abbey has many stories to tell and has survived attempts to destroy it several times since it’s foundation. Worship and mass is said to have never ceased through the ages despite Cromwell’s and Queen Elizabeth I attempt to destroy it and for 236 years the church had no roof! By 1966 the church nave was rebuilt and restored by many people including many who had no connection with the church but recognised the history and need to preserve the old abbey.
A visit to the Abbey will see you wander around the beautiful old church and out into the grounds where the ruins of some of the original structure still remain. St Patrick’s Well sits nearby where St Patrick himself baptised believers. The large Abbey and grounds are beautiful and sacred placse for everyone to enjoy. The grounds provide rich symbols of Christianity which provide an excellent focal point for pilgrims and those in search of peace and sacred space. A place of peace, relaxation and history, it sits in the shadow of Croagh Patrick, a stunning mountain and region of pilgrimage which offers an ideal location for those looking for retreat and solitude.
- Official website: www.ballintubberabbey.ie
- Wikipedia: Ballintubber Abbey
- Photo credits: Laurel Lodged, Andreas Borchert, and Andreas Borchert2
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- The nave at Ballintubber Abbey – photo by Andreas F. Borchert via Wikipedia Commons
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- The cloister at Ballintubber Abbey – photo by Andreas F. Borchert via Wikipedia Commons
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- Ballintubber Abbey – photo by Laurel Lodged via Wikimedia Commons
Contributed by Ruth Lancey
Ruth is a travel enthusiast, writer, and director of a tailor made tour company Great Irish Trips, a company which exists to help visitors jump off the beaten track and discover real Ireland for themselves.
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