Monasterboice/Old Mellifont Abbey

Monasterboice

The historic ruins of Monasterboice are of an early Christian settlement. It was founded in the late 5th century by Saint Buithe who died around 521, and was an important centre of religion and learning until the founding of nearby Mellifont Abbey in 1142.

The site houses two churches built in the 14th century or later and an earlier round tower, but it is most famous for its 10th century high crosses.

The round tower is about 35-metres tall, and is in very good condition, although it is not possible to go inside. The passage of time has laid down layers of earth so now the doorway is almost at ground level. The monastery was burned in 1097.

Old Mellifont Abbey

Founded in 1142 on the orders of Saint Malachy, Archbishop of Armagh, Mellifont Abbey sits on the banks of the River Mattock, 10 km north-west of Drogheda.

By 1170, Mellifont had 100 monks and 300 lay brothers. The Abbey became the model for other Cistercian abbeys built in Ireland, with its formal style of architecture imported from the abbeys of the same order in France; it was the main abbey in Ireland until it was closed in 1539, when it became a fortified house.

In 1603 the Treaty of Mellifont was agreed between the English Crown and Hugh O’Neill, Earl of Tyrone in the abbey grounds.

William of Orange used Mellifont Abbey House as his headquarters during the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.