Ballintubber Abbey is a royal abbey located about 21 kilometres south-east of Westport. The abbey was founded by King CathalCrobdeargUaConchobair in 1216 and is said to be the only functioning church in Ireland founded by an Irish king.

The Abbey is a sacred Irish historical site which will celebrateits 800 year anniversary in 2016.

Highlights include:

• St Patrick’s Well with an indentation besides the well believed to be the place where St. Patrick knelt.
• Tours including guided trails of the Ballintubber grounds and the nearby ruins.
• Stations of the Cross

The place has an old charm attached to it due to its rich presence in Ireland’s History including the Great Famine. The tourists love to spend a whole day here taking in another one of history’s witnesses while locals come to the abbey for masses, weddings or retreats.

• Do try to see the nearby ruins which date back to the 1500s.
• Visit this place when on the Croagh Patrick Trail.
• Carry your own refreshments.

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