Sligo Abbey

The town of Sligo is home to a 13th-century Dominican abbey, known as Sligo Abbey. The building is a true architectural marvel, open to visitors to the delight of fans of medieval and religious architecture.

History of Sligo Abbey

Origins of the Abbey

The Abbey was built around the middle of the 13th century by Maurice Fitzgerald, a Dominican who wanted to turn the site into a true cultural and religious center, in the image of the great monasteries such as the Abbey of Mellifont, whose influence lasted for over four centuries.

Over the years, Sligo Abbey has undergone a number of architectural adjustments. There’s also a magnificent cloister and altar, built around the 15th century. Many of the tombs in the Abbey cemetery date back to the Gothic and Renaissance periods.

Sadly, in 1645, the abbey fell victim to a terrible fire that destroyed part of the monastery. Now restored, the abbey is used exclusively for tourist purposes, welcoming thousands of visitors from all over the world every year!

Visit Sligo Abbey

A visit that plunges you into the heart of a 13th-century monastery

Admission to Sligo Abbey costs an average of €3 per person, and opens the doors to a comprehensive tour of the abbey. Whether accompanied by a guide or on your own, you’ll discover the beauty of its architecture as you explore the cloister, the altar (the only perfectly preserved altar in Ireland), the cemetery and the small chapel where monks used to gather for prayer and religious ceremonies.

It was in these rooms that the monks also practiced the art of illumination and calligraphy. Numerous manuscripts were painstakingly produced here, using the finest inks and most expensive gold leaf.

In any case, don’t miss the superb sculptures scattered around the site: they were created with the utmost finesse, and are a veritable treasure trove of Irish heritage.