Inch Abbey — Attraction in Newry, Mourne and Down District Council

Inch Abbey is definitely one of the most beautiful of ancient sites in Northern Ireland, if not the whole of Ireland. It is especially beautiful early morning or late evening, especally in summer. It has one of the most beautiful, serene views of Downpatrick with the Quoile river running right beside the monolithic Gothic site. Many times, when I was at school, we would spent idyllic days enjoying the weather and listening about the history while sketching the many aspects of the ruined Abbey, for our History assignment. I would love to see this majestic heirloom restored to its original grandeur one day. It would make a wonderful tourist attraction but for now it is still a stunning place to visit while holding onto its mystical energy that resonates today. A must for those interested in...

We had a fantastic Easter day out with our 5-year-old taking the heritage train to Inch Abbey – such a fun and memorable experience for the whole family! 🚂

The train ride itself was a real highlight, especially for our little one who loved every minute. Stepping off at Inch Abbey felt like stepping back in time – the ruins are beautiful and full of history, and the location by the river makes it feel really peaceful and special.

It was the perfect mix of adventure and exploration, with plenty of space for kids to run around and adults to take in the scenery. A lovely way to spend time together outdoors and soak up a bit of local history.

Would highly recommend this for a family day out – especially with young children. Can’t wait...

Inch Abbey has quite the history – not only is it a beautiful Cistercian Abbey founded in 1180, it’s also where the War of the Five Kings began. The houses of the North took up the cry of “the King in the North!”, after learning of Ned Stark’s death, spurring his son Robb on to war. Sitting beside the gushing River Quoile, on a clear day you can see Downpatrick Cathedral from the abbey, where St Patrick is said to be buried. DON'T MISS: From one legend to another, stop over at the St Patrick Centre in Downpatrick to uncover the saint's...