Mellifont Abbey

Mellifont Abbey (Irish: An Mhainistir Mhór, literally "the big abbey"), located in County Louth, was the first Cistercian abbey to be built in Ireland.

Origins

Founded in 1142 on the orders of Saint Malachy, Archbishop of Armagh, Mellifont Abbey sits on the banks of the River Mattock, some ten km (6 miles) from Drogheda.

By 1170, Mellifont had one hundred monks and three hundred lay brothers. The Abbey became the model for other Cistercian abbeys built in Ireland, with its formal style of architecture imported from the abbeys of the same order in France; it was the main abbey in Ireland until it was closed in 1539, when it became a fortified house.

The Synod of 1154

An important synod was held in Mellifont in 1152 as recorded in the Annals of the Four Masters, which asserts that the synod was attended by bishops and kings along with the papal legate John Paparo (Saint Malachy having died some ten years beforehand). The consecration of the church took place in 1157 and asserted Church authority by banishing the King of Meath, Donnchadh Ua Maeleachlainn.

Various kings gave donations to assist this foundation: Muirchertach Ua Lochlainn, provincial king of Ulster, gave cattle, some gold and also a local town land, Donnchad Ua Cearbhall, the king of Airgialla (Oriel), who had donated the land, also gave gold, while Derbforgaill, the wife of Tigernan Ua Ruairc gave gold, a chalice and altar cloths.

The Abbey since closure

William of Orange used Mellifont Abbey House as his headquarters during the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.

Mellifont Abbey is now a ruin. Little of the original Abbey remains, save a 13th-century lavabo (where the monks washed their hands before eating), some Romanesque arches and a 14th-century chapter house.

See also

  • List of abbeys and priories in Ireland (County Louth)

External links

Listed in the following categories:
Post a comment
Tips & Hints
Arrange By:
Eugene Adamov
7 April 2013
Old ruins. Nothung special.
Load more comments
foursquare.com
6.5/10
3,690 people have been here
Map
0.5km from Old Mellifont Rd, Co. Louth, Ireland Get directions

Mellifont Abbey on Foursquare

Mellifont Abbey on Facebook

Hotels nearby

See all hotels See all
Windsor Lodge B&B

starting $105

D Hotel

starting $124

Aaron Vale B&B

starting $98

Newgrange Lodge

starting $24

Westcourt Hotel

starting $70

Spoon and the Stars Hostel

starting $23

Recommended sights nearby

See all See all
Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Dowth

Dowth (Irish: Dubhadh) is a Neolithic passage tomb which stands in the

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Knowth

Knowth (pronounced ; Irish: Cnobha) is a Neolithic passage grave,

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Newgrange

Newgrange (Gaeilge. Dún Fhearghusa) is one of the passage tombs of

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Brú na Bóinne

Brú na Bóinne (Irish for Palace of the Boyne) is a World Heritage S

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Athcarne Castle

Athcarne Castle is a ruined Elizabethan castle outside the town of

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Skryne Church

Skryne Church is a ruined medieval church and National Monument in

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Bective Abbey

Bective Abbey (Irish: Mainistir Bheigthí ) is a Cistercian abbey on

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Magdalen Tower (Ireland)

Magdalen Tower is a landmark located at the highest point of the

Similar tourist attractions

See all See all
Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Kirkstall Abbey

Kirkstall Abbey is a ruined Cistercian monastery in Kirkstall

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Netley Abbey

Netley Abbey is a ruined medieval monastery in the village of Netley

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Rufford Abbey

Rufford Abbey is an estate in Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire,

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Furness Abbey

Furness Abbey, or St. Mary of Furness, is a former Catholic monastery

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Jerpoint Abbey

Jerpoint Abbey is a Cistercian abbey, founded in the second half of

See all similar places