Mount St Joseph Abbey — Attraction in The Municipal District of Birr

Mount St Joseph's Abbey is an old Abbey, well maintained, a beautiful church standing high and proud.

It boasts a lovely forest walk. A river with mini waterfalls to delight the young and old. There's also a chance to see red squirrels if you're lucky.

Beautifully maintained green areas with hills for the kids to roll down. And if you want exercise you can always take a walk around the perimeter.

During the summer the varying types of trees offer shade from sunshine and rain. There's a structure inside the forest but it's not for public view. As a teenager I often imagined it as a secret garden.

A grotto if you're so inclined

Lots of parking, amazing views....

The best surprise and Free. Park and walk. Saint Joseph’s Monastery has beautiful walks where you can even bring your dog. A stunning weeping willow stands beside a man-made stream, built in layers. From there, you can follow the esker path lined with oak trees, cross a little bridge, and either continue down another route or linger in the open field.

On the way back, take the slightly hilly path for lovely views of the poplars. It leads you back to the car park, right beside the prayer area. Along the way we met older people enjoying their health walk, and even one gentleman making the journey...

Beautiful walks in the grounds of this Cistercian Abbey, which is also a working farm. There are 'themed' prayer areas throughout the walks, mostly dedicated to St. Joseph, the worker, for whom the monks have special devotion. The Abbey itself is built in old style and fabulous inside. Lovely place for quiet contemplation and some peace.. Pre-covid, homemade lunch and teas /scones were served in the main building which were delicious and very reasonable, and am hoping that it will resume again! Well worth a visit when down in...