Ballintubber Abbey


Ballintubber Abbey is an abbey 2-kilometers northeast of Ballintubber, Mayo in Ireland that was founded by King Cathal Crobdearg Ua Conchobair in 1216.

History

Despite being suppressed and damaged during the Protestant Reformation, the roofless abbey continued to be used throughout penal times by Catholics. In 1963, extensive archaeological excavations were carried out prior to starting restoration work. By 1966, the nave had been restored and re-roofed, in time for the 750th anniversary of the abbey's foundation although work continued until 1969. In 1997, the Chapter House and Dorter area were restored and re-roofed. In 2016, during the 800th anniversary celebrations, planning permission to restore the entire east wing was granted.
The abbey has several modern outdoor attractions, including a very modern abstract Way of the Cross, an underground permanent Crib, and a Rosary Way. There is a small museum. According to the Ballintubber website and other popular accounts, Seán na Sagart, the infamous priest-hunter, is buried in the cemetery. A large tree marks the spot. The abbey marks the beginning of Tochar Phádraig, the ancient pilgrimage route to Croagh Patrick, reopened by Pilgrim Paths of Ireland.

Other burials