Ballintubber Abbey
Ballintubber Abbey, County Mayo, Republic of Ireland
Ballintubber Abbey was founded by King Cathal Crobdearg Ua Conchobair in 1216. Legend has it that it is the only church in Ireland founded by an Irish king that is still in regular use. Very cool to visit in its 800 anniversary year!
Despite being damaged during the Protestant Reformation, the roofless abbey continued to be used even throughout penal times by Catholics. Restoration began in 1966.
On a much more modern and frivolous note – this is where Irish actor Pierce Brosnan and Keely Shaye Smith held their wedding in 2001.
The abbey has several modern outdoor attractions, including an abstract Way of the Cross.
Also on its grounds is the pagan well of Creevagh where Patrick baptised people in 441 AD. Ballintubber takes its name from it. It was too distant for us to visit, we could only see from afar.
Ballintubber Abbey was founded by King Cathal Crobdearg Ua Conchobair in 1216. Legend has it that it is the only church in Ireland founded by an Irish king that is still in regular use. Very cool to visit in its 800 anniversary year!
Despite being damaged during the Protestant Reformation, the roofless abbey continued to be used even throughout penal times by Catholics. Restoration began in 1966.
On a much more modern and frivolous note – this is where Irish actor Pierce Brosnan and Keely Shaye Smith held their wedding in 2001.
The abbey has several modern outdoor attractions, including an abstract Way of the Cross.
Also on its grounds is the pagan well of Creevagh where Patrick baptised people in 441 AD. Ballintubber takes its name from it. It was too distant for us to visit, we could only see from afar.
Enjoy the slide show below!