St Dominic’s Abbey is a medieval Dominican abbey in Cashel, Ireland. A listed Irish national heritage monument, the building is less than 300 meters from the famous and much-touted Rock of Cashel, a rocky knoll that is home to numerous remarkably well-preserved buildings dating back to the Middle Ages. The abbey, set a little further back, is also a true marvel of architecture and history, to be discovered without further ado!
If you love ruined abbeys, then you’ve come to the right place. St Dominic’s Abbey is a treasure trove of medieval Irish monastic life.
The abbey dates back to the 13th century, and was founded by the Archbishop of Cashel David Mac Cellaig (David McKelly) in 1243, during the reign of Henry III. Initially, it welcomed monks from Cork, before opening up to local monks.
A highly influential abbey at the time, it was nevertheless the victim of an accidental fire, requiring reconstruction in 1480 under the management of John Cantwell II. An ideal opportunity to expand and equip the building:
Today, the abbey, though exposed to the ravages of time, has preserved its 1480 structure. One of the most striking features is the beauty of the interlacing carvings on the Gothic windows. The great tower, still standing, adds a majestic charm to the whole.
In short, a monument to be discovered before heading off to the Rock of Cashel!
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