Old Mellifont Abbey — Attraction in The Borough District of Drogheda

Mellifont is just far enough from the larger roads to usually be quite quiet. I have been here many times before, and there has never been a crowd - at most a few other couples. The site is picturesque and the 'Lavabo' is the most photographed aspect of the site, but a later insertion, there is so much more to see. Although a lot is in very ruinous state, there are a myriad of buildings from the historic phases of the site - evern stone lined coffins can be seen.

Mellifont is a Cistercian monastic site beside the Mattock River. Mellifont Abbey (from Fons Mellis meaning honey fountain) was founded in 1142 by St. Malachy and was the first house of the Cistercian order in Ireland, although the ruins currently visible are multi-phase and are perhaps most famous for the octagonal ‘Lavabo’. The Synod of Kells-Mellifont took place in AD 1152, under the presidency of Cardinal Paparoni, and continued the process begun at the Synod of Rathbreasail of reforming the Irish church.

The consecration of the church took place in 1157 recorded in the Annals of Ulster: “The successor of Patrick (namely, the archbishop of Ireland) consecrated the church of the Monks [of Mellifont, near Drogheda, in presence of the clergy of Ireland, that is, of the Legate and of Ua Osein and of Grenne and of the other bishops and in presence of many of the laity, around Ua Lachlainn, that is, around the king of Ireland and Donnchadh Ua Cerbaill and Tigernan Ua Ruairc].” (Bambury &...

A very tranquil and beautiful spot. Do not confuse this place with the new (1938) Cistercian abbey right in Collon itself! Pop it into your sat nav and make your life a whole lot easier. Please be aware that the road leading down to the abbey is single track with a steep embankment on the right hand side which prevents you giving way or parking. Please be advised that the site has a very small car park which at peak times (holidays and weekends) may see you having to reverse 200 metres up a single track road!

There is a very modest visitor centre (not really that great for kids bar the model abbey). Information booklets in various languages are available for 50 cent. There are toilets on site. Bring your own refreshments; picnic tables are available. Guided tours do take place.

I have attached photos that may be of use...

The first Cistercian Monastery in Ireland,. Created by St. Malachy of Armagh in 1142 with the help of a small number of monks sent ,by St. Bernard from Clairvaux France but didn't take well to Ireland and soon returned. However the abbey was completed. Great architecture features. beautiful place to visit. Due to civic.-19there is a one way system in place but. Don't let this put you off, most of the ground is pretty flat but some people with disabilities may have restrictions. The Abbey grounds are free to visit but there is a fee to visit the museum,. | .€5 for adults €4 for senior citizens and children aged between 12-17 €3 there is a family fee of €13 . Follow directions using Google maps and you...