Ballintubber Abbey

Ballintubber Abbey

Ballintubber Abbey is located two kilometers northeast of the village of Ballintubber in County Mayo, Ireland, and is a royal abbey. It was founded in 1216 by a king from the historical province of Connaught, one of Ireland’s ancient provinces. It is said to be the only church in Ireland established by a king that is still in regular use today.

Despite being suppressed and damaged during the Reformation, the roofless Ballintubber Abbey continued to be used by the Catholic Church throughout Ireland's period of the Penal Laws. To celebrate the 750th anniversary of the abbey’s founding, its nave and roof were reconstructed in 1966, and the chapel and sacristy were rebuilt in 1997. The east wing of the abbey is expected to be reconstructed in 2016 to mark its 800th anniversary. The abbey also features several modern outdoor attractions, including a contemporary abstract Stations of the Cross, an underground permanent shrine, and a Rosary Walk, as well as a small museum.

The abbey marks the starting point of the ancient pilgrimage route to Croagh Patrick. Although long forgotten, this route has now been reopened as a cross-country pilgrim walk. Famous 007 actor Pierce Brosnan and American journalist Keely Shaye Smith held their wedding here, attracting numerous fans.

Ballintubber Abbey

Must-visit reason: The only abbey in Ireland founded by a king that is still in use

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Ireland[Ireland]

Province/State where the attraction is located: County Mayo [County Mayo]