Ballintubber abbey was founded in 1216 by King Cathal near the site of the church built by St. Patrick in 441. Ballintubber Abbey is known as "the Abbey that refused to die". Despite the Abbey's turbulent history, including burning by Cromwell's army in 1653, the Abbey has remained a place of worship despite years of continuous attacks and religious repression. Ballintubber Abbey now has the unique status of being Ireland's only royal Abbey which has been in continuous use for over 780 years - the strongest tradition of the district is that the Mass has been said in the abbey without a break since the year of it's foundation in 1216
EXTERNAL VIEWS AND DETAILS
To-day the Abbey serves as a parish church and as such Mass is celebrated their each day. Many visiting groups bring their own priest so that they can share in the celebration of Mass within its hallowed walls during their visit.
| The sign, written in English,
says:
"This has been a place of worship since its people were baptised by St. Patrick (441 A.D.). Their graves facing the east and the rising sun are symbols of their faith. The Abbey (1216 A.D.) 'that refused to die' is a symbol of their enduring hope. The ruined cloisters, the informer's tree, the Tochar Phadraig walk , are symbols of their faithful love. These hallowed grounds invite us to share that faith, that hope, that love. This is a place of prayer and peace." |
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INTERIOR
Built in 1216 for the Canon Regulars of St Augustine, it is beside a 5th century monastic site associated with St Patrick. Ballintubber retains an air of ancient beauty and spirituality and has been restored with simple elegance.
Ballintubber Abbey is one of the oldest churches in continuous use in Ireland. Founded by St. Patrick, it is the starting point of the Tochar Phadraic pilgrimmage (which ends at Croagh Patrick). The grounds contain a number of recreations of Christian life (both Biblical and Irish) as well as the stations of the cross created from natural stone.
INTERNET SITE LINKS