Locations

Old Mellifont Abbey, founded in 1142 by Saint Malachy of Armagh, is Ireland’s first Cistercian monastery and a landmark of medieval religious history. Established with guidance from monks sent by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, the abbey introduced the austere Cistercian way of life to Ireland, emphasizing simplicity, manual labour, and communal living. The monastery quickly became a major religious and agricultural centre, flourishing with a community of around 100 monks and 300 lay brothers by the late 12th century.

Architecturally, Old Mellifont Abbey is renowned for its distinctive two-storey octagonal lavabo, built around 1210. This elegant structure served as a ritual washroom where monks washed their hands before meals, symbolizing the order’s commitment to cleanliness and discipline. The abbey also played a significant role in Irish ecclesiastical politics, hosting a synod in 1152 attended by bishops and kings, asserting church authority across the island.

In addition to its spiritual importance, Old Mellifont Abbey was the site of the Treaty of Mellifont in 1603, which marked the end of the Nine Years’ War between the English Crown and Irish lords, a key moment in Ireland’s turbulent history. Following the dissolution of monasteries under Henry VIII in 1539, the abbey fell into ruin.

Today, visitors can explore the atmospheric remains of Old Mellifont Abbey, including the lavabo and other monastic buildings. The ruins offer a powerful window into Ireland’s medieval past, reflecting the spiritual, cultural, and political significance the site once held. The surrounding landscape, steeped in history, invites reflection on the enduring legacy of the Cistercian monks and their influence on Irish heritage.

Newgrange Day Tours specialises in private day tours to Old Mellifont Abbey. Book your private tour today.