Corcomroe Abbey

Corcomroe Abbey

Corcomroe Abbey is located in County Clare, Ireland, in the northern part of the Burren region. It is the ruin of a 13th-century early Cistercian monastery. The abbey is known for its intricate carvings and other rich ornamentation, featuring unusual patterns and decorations from the period. It is a classic cruciform church, facing east, with a small chapel in each transept and a thick-walled tower in the center.

Corcomroe Abbey was built around the years 1205 to 1210 using locally quarried limestone. Legend has it that the abbey was commissioned by a king of the time, who died in 1267; his tomb niche and effigy are located on the north wall of the choir. It is said that to prevent the construction of similar abbeys elsewhere, the king assigned only five masons to build Corcomroe Abbey. The English Reformation led to the gradual decline of Catholic monasteries in both England and Ireland, and Corcomroe Abbey was not spared.

Corcomroe Abbey

Must-visit reason: One of the most famous abbey ruins in County Clare

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 Clare [County Clare]