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Boyle
Abbey, which is in the care of the Office of
Public Works (O.P.W.), has reopened for the
coming season until Wednesday September the
26th. The Abbey is one of the finest examples
of the rich monastic legacy that exists in this
country from the medieval period. It incorporates
outstanding examples of Romanesque and Gothic
architecture. The new glass and wooden north
aisle is a daring and elegant enhancement of
the site.
Opening times at Boyle Abbey are; 7 Days per
week from 10.00am to last entry at 5.15 with
closure at 6pm. There will be a flexible lunchtime
closure between 1 and 2. Admission is free for
this season due to ongoing conservation work.
School groups are very welcome but please contact
the Abbey staff at 0719662604 prior to visit.
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.
Following extensive Archaeological investigations,
progress on the reconstruction of the North
Wall is now visible daily Read
More Here
Boyle
Abbey is regarded as; ‘the finest
of the Cistercian churches to survive in Ireland’.
Boyle and the region are fortunate to possess
such a rich architectural heritage. The jewel
of that heritage is Boyle Abbey. The Abbey was
built between 1160 and 1220. It remained as
such until the middle of the 1500s’. Interestingly
it then became a residence and military stronghold
for about two hundred years until the military
moved to the King House. It subsequently fell
into decline and it was not until the 1960s’
that due regard and respect returned to the
Abbey under the assiduous care of the Office
of Public Care (O.P.W.). They are now involved
in a significant conservation project in which
the north aisle wall, which was leaning and
in danger has been taken down and is being rebuilt.
The original north aisle is also being reinstated
in glass and supports, a marriage of the modern
with the medieval. The Abbey retains many features
which draw enthusiasts and scholars from all
over the country and from far afield. On one
particular Sunday I noted that fourteen different
nationalities had been present. If you visit,
look out for the ornate carved decorations on
the capitals, the majestic and varied columns,
the imposing tower and lancet windows, the head
on the tower keeping a watch over the cloister,
the faded Sile na Gig, the fine early 16th century
fireplaces and chimneys and more. Many locals
have scary memories of their climbing adventures
on the abbey walls. How nobody was killed in
a fall surprises me. Then again, many locals
taking visitors to the abbey quietly whisper
’I haven’t been in here in years!’
As the old adage suggests; ‘the nearer
the church the farther from God’. So why
not discover Boyle Abbey on Discover Boyle Day.
It is an iconic Boyle building. We are so lucky
to have it and we should be very proud of Mainistir
na Buille.
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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