Fore Abbey is the ruins of a Benedictine and Early Gaelic 7th century Abbey with associated Mill, Anchorite's Cell, Holy Wells and a structure associated with St. Feichin, all situated to the north of Lough Lene in County Westmeath, adjacent to Fore village.
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Was here twice in the month of January 2021. First time with brother and kids as we did the Nancy to Nellie loop walk that skirts around the Abbey through the countryside at the back and all around via the village of Fore itself. Nice little walk on a coldish wintery day that warmed up fast once the sun crept out from behind the shadows. Kids loved the walk, especially the fairy park and a chance meeting with a lovely old working horse that was sociable and loved getting patted on the head.
Second time around was with the brilliant local historian Bartle D'Arcy, as we looked at the 7 Wonders, and the Pagan, early Christian, and Norman history, all associated with the Abbey. Very fascinating, and a great insight into the local history that one cant get from a textbook.
We went through the 7 wonders of Fore, which are...âŠ..
A lot of history is associated with this amazing site. And I learnt so much from Bartle. How Pagan Ireland was very much intertwined with early Christian Ireland of that time, and how the Normans really made the Abbey into what it is today, a spectacle of amazing stone masonry and early ecclesiastical architecture.
The only slight was we couldn't see a lot of far off sights, like the nearby hills and mottes, as there was a thick fog, but truth be told it added to the atmosphere, mostly when we were in the mausoleum which had an eerie feel to it, especially amongst the graves and the odd human bone on display!
Overall, a must see, a site overloaded with history and local folklore, and some good exercise on the routes through and around the Abbey, lovely fresh air pumped in from Lough Lene and down the valleys, a great day out, and the kids will love it.
Pity the local pub was shut,...
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Our visit to St. FĂ©ichĂn's Abbey in Westmeath was a journey through time, as we had the privilege of witnessing the filming of scenes for an upcoming Irish film âThe Cathach of FIONNĂNâ. Nestled amidst the picturesque Irish countryside, this historic abbey provided an exquisite backdrop for the unfolding story. From the moment we stepped onto the grounds of St. FĂ©ichĂn's Abbey, we were enveloped in an atmosphere of tranquility and reverence. The ancient stone walls stood as silent witnesses to centuries of history, their weathered facades bearing testament to the passage of time. As we explored the abbey grounds, it was evident why this location had been chosen for filming. The sweeping vistas of rolling hills and lush greenery provided a stunning natural backdrop, while the architectural beauty of the abbey itself added a sense of grandeur and mystique to the scenes being captured. The filmmakers had clearly taken great care to utilise the abbey's unique features to their fullest potential. From the intricately carved stone archways to the sun-dappled courtyards, every corner of St. FĂ©ichĂn's Abbey seemed to hold a story waiting to be told. Watching the actors bring their characters to life against such a magnificent backdrop was a truly mesmerising experience. The rich history and timeless beauty of St. FĂ©ichĂn's Abbey lent an air of authenticity to the film, transporting viewers to a bygone era with each passing frame. In conclusion, our visit to St. FĂ©ichĂn's Abbey was a journey of discovery and wonder. The combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and cinematic artistry made for an unforgettable experience, and we eagerly anticipate seeing the finished film and reliving the magic of this...
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I personally love fore abbey because it holds more than just the miracles it's already known for but it also includes lots of irish folklore as well. It has many mounds ...look up the history of mounds in Ireland. And it has hawthorn trees surrounding it. These lovely trees are known as "fairy trees"...and I hope they will excuse the term as they preferred to be call little people or wee ones. It is also a place of power or thin place as some call this type of place. I've found that fore abbey leaves me with a wonderful energy and excitement as no other place I've ever visited before. I've returned there several times and have discovered new points of interest every time that I had somehow over looked before. Perhaps they were only shown to me when I was ready to receive them.. Who knows? Out of any place I've visited I've chose fore abbey photos to display in my house. As everyday life catches up with me I turn to those beautiful photos to remind me of the wonderful experiences I've had there. It truly has changed my life to have visited fore abbey. I hope for the sake of all humanity that fore abbey remains as pristine and untouched as it it right now. Also for the magical beings that live there and protect it...
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