If you’d like to venture out of the town center, Roscrea boasts a wonderful 12th-century abbey: Monaincha Abbey. The abbey is also mentioned in the Annals of the Four Masters, a work containing a wealth of accounts of Irish history. During your visit, you can admire the beauty of its ruined architecture. It’s a great way to step back in time to the Irish Middle Ages!
The Monaincha abbey – Keith Drummond – cc
Monaincha Abbey is often described by the Irish as County Tipperary’s best-kept secret! Rich in mystery, it boasts an exceptional setting! Set in a corner of the Irish countryside, on an isolated island, the abbey seems to have been totally forgotten by the modern world, and still stands majestically despite the centuries.
The abbey dates back to 1140, and is said to have been built by the Augustinians. The abbey would later become known as an important cultural center, until it was abandoned in 1485. Today, the abbey is as abandoned as it was, despite some restoration work carried out in the 19th century (some windows have been badly renovated, and are even crooked!).
As you walk around the building, you’ll notice that the abbey is surrounded by magnificent trees. The building comprises a nave 12 meters long and 7 meters wide, and a choir measuring 3.5 meters on each side. The entire building was built in a strong Romanesque style, with its characteristic vaults, capitals and arched windows. The result is magnificent, and its condition gives it a typical charm!
Take a stroll through the cemetery, which has an almost romantic charm with its Celtic tombs and crosses. Some of the tombs date back to the 12th century, and even to the 19th century!
The area is superb and easy to get to (but you’d better park a little further away, as unless you have a good 4×4, the surrounding area is pretty muddy). In short, a lovely visit!
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