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Boyle
Abbey
Opening Hours:
April - 31st October 10.00 -
18:00
Tel:
00 353 ( 71) 96 62604
www.heritageireland.ie/en/West/BoyleAbbey
Located in Boyle town on the N4, stand the magnificent
restored ruins of the Cistercian Abbey founded in
1161 by Maurice O’Duffy. The Abbey Church was consecrated
in 1220. It is of Romanesque and Gothic design and
despite being plundered on a number of occasions,
its architectural splendour makes it one of the finest
remaining examples of Medieval art.
The
Abbey is the daughter house of Mellifont, Co. Louth.
Despite many mutilations due to several wars, it is
still regarded as the finest of the Cistercian churches
to survive in Ireland with the majesty of the south
arcade unparalleled elsewhere in the country.
An impressive and well preserved Cistercian Monastery
which was founded in the 12th century under the patronage
of the local ruling family, the MacDermotts. Though
mutilated during the 17th and 18th centuries when
it was used to accommodate a military garrison, Boyle
Abbey nevertheless retains its ability to impress
the visitor as one of the most formidable of the early
Cistercian foundations in Ireland. A restored gatehouse
of 16th / 17th century houses an exhibition. Restricted
access for people with disabilities. Conducted tours
of the Abbey and grounds are available.
The
building had been restored with care by the Office
of Public Works.
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