MELLIFONT ABBEY

Mellifont Abbey was the first Cistercian Abbey to be founded in Ireland. It was introduced into Ireland by St Malachy the archbishop of Armagh in 1142. The abbey was consecrated in 1157 and from this humble beginnings the Cistercian community spread out throughout Ireland founding other monasteries throughout the country.

Mellifont Abbey is located between the village of Collon and the town of Drogheda in County Louth. It lies in the tranquil valley of the Mattock River.

The most significant remains of Mellifont Abbey is the chapter house, the Lavabo where the monks would have washed their hands before meals and as you approach Mellifont Abbey you will see the remains of the gateway. The other parts of the Abbey are gone but small walls remain making it possible to make out how the Abbey would have looked.

In the distance we can see the hexagonal shaped lavabo.