A working Benedictine monastery set in a 19th-century Norman-Revival castle, where day visitors are welcomed free to 500 acres of gardens, lakes and ancient oak woodland, and to the monks' daily liturgy.
Visitors are welcome at every service in the Abbey Church, from 6.35am Matins and Lauds to 8.35pm Compline on weekdays (Sundays run 7am Lauds, 10am Mass, 6pm Vespers). Most services are chanted in English, though Vespers and much of the Mass are in Latin, and you can also watch online if you cannot attend.
The former Barrington estate is laid out with specimen trees and flowers and run as a wildlife sanctuary, with part of Ireland's primitive oak forest along the edge of the Front Avenue. Many visitors simply stroll the avenues at their leisure across the estate's 500 acres of farmland, forest, lakes and streams.
The recently renovated church, guesthouse and reception are hung with large, dramatic contemporary paintings by Brother Emmaus O'Herlihy OSB, a monk of the community; his book Paintings is sold in the abbey shop.
The guesthouse has 12 en-suite rooms (ten single, two twin) with meals included, offered for a donation that typically runs to 90 euro or more a night. Two self-catering God Pods sit a kilometre from the church and a Garden Cottage is available for longer stays.
The monks run retreat days and talks through the year, including the Advent and Lent Sunday series and a residential Easter retreat. Schools, parishes and active-retirement groups can arrange day visits by emailing [email protected] or calling 061 621005.
Monastery Reception, on the right-hand side after the entrance arch, is the first stop for information on weekdays, and you are also welcome to browse the gift shop during your visit.
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