Ballintubber Abbey, Connacht Travel Guide

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Discover Ballintubber Abbey: An 800-year-old Irish sanctuary of faith, history, and stunning architecture in County Mayo. Open daily, tours available.

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Ballintubber Abbey

Founded in 1216 by King Cathal Crobdearg Ua Conchobair, Ballintubber Abbey stands as a testament to faith and resilience in County Mayo. Known as 'the Abbey that refused to die,' it has remained a place of worship for 800 years, even through destruction and religious suppression.

A brief summary to Ballintubber Abbey

Abbey, Ballintober, Co. Mayo, F12 W584, IE
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Monday 9 am-9 pm
Tuesday 9 am-9 pm
Wednesday 9 am-9 pm
Thursday 9 am-9 pm
Friday 9 am-9 pm
Saturday 9 am-9 pm
Sunday 9 am-9 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Ballintubber Abbey.

Take a guided tour to fully appreciate the Abbey's history and significance.
Explore the Abbey grounds, including the Stations of the Cross and St. Patrick's Well.
Visit the gift shop for locally produced gifts, crafts, and books.

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Explore Ballintubber Abbey on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Ballintubber Abbey, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

Ballintubber Abbey is located off the N84 road. From Castlebar, take the N84 towards Ballinrobe. The Abbey is signposted from the main road. From Claremorris, take the R331 and N84 to the Abbey. Free parking is available on site.
Public Transport

The Bus Éireann route 422 stops at Ballintubber. This route connects Ballintubber with Castlebar and other surrounding areas. From Castlebar, you can connect to other major towns and cities. A single fare from Castlebar to Ballintubber is approximately €5.
Taxi

Taxis are available from nearby towns such as Claremorris and Castlebar. A taxi from Claremorris to Ballintubber Abbey typically costs €35-€45 and takes about 27 minutes. From Castlebar, a taxi will also cost approximately €35-€45.

Discover more about Ballintubber Abbey

Ballintubber Abbey, located two kilometers northeast of Ballintubber, County Mayo, is more than just an ancient structure; it's a living chronicle of Irish history and unwavering faith. Founded in 1216 by King Cathal Crobdearg Ua Conchobair, the Abbey's story stretches back even further to 441 AD when St. Patrick established a church nearby. This sacred site has been a place of continuous worship, making it the only church in Ireland founded by an Irish king that is still in regular use.Despite facing numerous challenges throughout the centuries, including partial destruction by Cromwellian forces in 1653, Ballintubber Abbey has persevered. The Abbey's nave was restored in 1966, and further restoration occurred in 1997 and with planning permission granted in 2016. Today, it serves as both a national monument and a parish church, welcoming visitors to explore its medieval architecture and tranquil grounds.Visitors can explore the abbey's rich heritage through guided tours, which delve into its architecture, art, and the stories of those who shaped its history. The grounds also feature modern outdoor attractions such as abstract Stations of the Cross, an underground crib, and a Rosary Way. Ballintubber Abbey marks the beginning of Tochar Phádraig, the ancient pilgrimage route to Croagh Patrick. The Abbey is also a popular wedding venue.