Drumlane Abbey and Round Tower: A Monastic Site

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Explore Drumlane Abbey and Round Tower in County Cavan, a historic monastic site with stunning lakeside views and ancient Irish heritage.

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Drumlane Abbey and Round Tower

Discover Drumlane Abbey and Round Tower, a historic monastic site near Milltown, County Cavan. Founded in 555 AD by St. Columba, this serene location features the ruins of an abbey, a church, and a well-preserved round tower, offering a glimpse into Ireland's early Christian heritage and tranquil lakeside scenery.

A brief summary to Drumlane Abbey and Round Tower

Unnamed Road, Drumlane, Co. Cavan, IE
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Local tips

Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain around the abbey ruins can be uneven.
Visit early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful experience.
Take time to walk around the graveyard and read the headstones to connect with past generations.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Turbet Island

Turbet Island: A Historical Sanctuary

The boat house

The Boat House, County Cavan

Old Castle

Old Castle: A Window to Cavan's Past

Getting There

Driving

Drumlane Abbey is located just outside the village of Milltown, approximately 3km from the village. From Milltown, follow the signs for Drumlane Abbey. The site is easily accessible by car, with free parking available. The drive is straightforward on local roads.
Public Transport

While public transport directly to Drumlane Abbey is limited, you can take a bus to nearby towns such as Belturbet or Cavan. From there, a taxi or local ride-sharing service can take you to the abbey. Taxi fares from Belturbet to Drumlane Abbey typically range from €10-€15.
Walking

For those staying in Milltown, Drumlane Abbey is accessible by a scenic walk. The walk is approximately 3km and takes around 30-40 minutes. Follow the road out of Milltown towards the abbey, enjoying the views of the surrounding countryside. Be mindful of local traffic as there may not be dedicated footpaths along the entire route.

Discover more about Drumlane Abbey and Round Tower

Drumlane Abbey and Round Tower, situated just outside Milltown in County Cavan, is a site steeped in nearly 1500 years of history. Overlooking the peaceful Garfinny Lough, this ancient monastic complex includes an abbey, a monastery, and one of Ireland's few remaining intact round towers. Founded in 555 AD by St. Columba, the site provides a tranquil retreat filled with historical significance and natural beauty. The round tower, constructed of stone in the 12th century, replaced an earlier wooden structure and is the only surviving round tower in the Diocese of Kilmore. These towers, unique to Ireland, were built between the 5th and 13th centuries as places of refuge to protect valuable relics and manuscripts during attacks. The entrance to the Drumlane tower is about nine feet above ground level, a typical design feature for security. During the Middle Ages, the Drumlane estate was controlled by the O'Farrelly clan, and a medieval gravestone is said to mark a member's burial place. In 1261, the abbey was attacked and burned by the O'Rourke family. The site was suppressed during the 16th-century Reformation, with some lands granted to the O'Reilly clan. After the 1641 rebellion, the land was taken over by planters. Today, the site is under the care of the Office of Public Works. Visitors can explore the abbey ruins, the round tower, and the surrounding graveyard. The serene setting by the lake offers stunning views and a peaceful escape. Interpretive facilities are available to help visitors understand the site's rich history.