Inch Abbey (Mainistir na Hinse in Irish Gaelic) is a ruined former Gothic abbey located north-west of the town of Downpatrick in Northern Ireland. It was built on the north bank of the Quoile River around the 13th century. It’s also worth noting that the abbey has lent its features to the Twins in the Iron Throne series. That’s when the Starks asked to meet the treacherous Frey to cross the river!
The Inch abbey – © Ossie
Inch Abbey is said to have been built around 1200 by a Cistercian couple (John de Courcy and his wife Affrica) in typical Gothic style.
The abbey was built as an act of repentance for the destruction of Erinagh Abbey by de Courcy in 1177. This abbey was located less than 5 kilometers from Inch Abbey.
Today, the abbey has been abandoned, and its ruins are a magnificent sight to behold. The abbey was made up of several buildings, including a Latin cross church, a cloister and a main courtyard.
Only the church’s main window has stood the test of time. It takes the form of a pediment pierced by 3 ogival windows, the middle of which is over 7 meters high. It’s one of the highlights of the show, attracting thousands of visitors every year! The site is a jewel of medieval architecture!
And don’t miss the abbey’s adjoining cemetery, where monks were buried after a lifetime of prayer. The place is pretty, bucolic and particularly romantic!
Essential information to help you plan your visit, including key landmarks, access information, and booking options.
Inch Abbey Rd, Downpatrick (County Down) - Northern Ireland
54.336041, -5.731737
45 minutes
4.45/5 (11 votes)