Ballintubber Augustinian Abbey

It is said that the origins of Ballintubber Abbey date all the way back to 441 when St Patrick baptised people at a well and established a church. This is where the Irish for the town originates from: Baile Tobair Phádraig – St Patrick’s Well. A 35km pilgrim path is connected from the abbey to Croagh Patrick – Tóchar Phádraig.

The abbey itself dates back to 1216 when Cathal Crovdearg O’Conor – King of Connaught – founded the monastery for the Augustinians. Not only is the abbey associated with the influential O’Conor’s, but was linked with the de Burgo family as well, with members of the family still buried within the abbey grounds today.

One of the most famous is Theobald Burke, whose canopy tomb lies along the south wall of the church. Theobald was given a knighthood for his defeat of the Spanish Armada at Kinsale and was made the first Viscount of Mayo in 1627.

Just two years later Theobald was murdered close to the abbey.

Theobald was also the son of the Pirate Queen: Grace O’Malley.

The church was built in the cruciform shape, but was partially burned in 1265. It was rebuilt within 5 years. The cloisters likely date back to the 15^th century, while the chapter house is probably earlier, around 13^th century.

In 1653 much of the building was destroyed after a Cromwellian attack, and three stages of restoration took place over one hundred years.

The first was in 1846 where only the windows were repaired before the Great Famine hit.

The second was in 1889 with the roofing of the chancel and transepts.

The third and final stage took place over three years from 1963 under the watchful eye of Percy le Clerc, Inspector of National Monuments.

Today mass and visits occur within the restored abbey, and Ballintubber celebrates the fact that mass has been said in the abbey, without fail, since 1216, despite attacks that might have prevented it.

For details on guided visits see Ballintubberabbey.ie

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This national monument is protected in accordance with the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014