Holy Cross Abbey

Holy Cross Abbey

Holy Cross Abbey is located in the village of Holy Cross near Thurles in North Tipperary, Ireland, on the banks of the River Suir. It is a restored Cistercian monastery.

The abbey is named after one of Christianity’s most important relics — a fragment of the True Cross. This relic fragment was brought to Ireland in 1233 by Queen Isabella of the House of Plantagenet, widow of King John of England. She bestowed the relic upon the Cistercian abbey that she was instrumental in rebuilding, and thus the monastery was named Holy Cross Abbey. Over time, the presence of this sacred relic helped establish the abbey as a significant medieval pilgrimage site.

Founded in 1168, the site was originally a Benedictine monastery but later became a Cistercian one. Today’s Holy Cross Abbey is one of Ireland’s most important historic buildings, notable for its magnificent exterior and finely decorated interior, attracting numerous pilgrims and tourists throughout the year.

Holy Cross Abbey

Must-visit reason: See one of the most precious fragments of the True Cross

Continent: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region: Ireland[Ireland]

Province/State: North Tipperary [North Tipperary]