A working Trappist monastery where silence, chant, and 39 stained glass windows — including rare Harry Clarke Studio works — meet 200 acres of woodland walks just outside Roscrea.
The soaring abbey church, opened in 1883 and designed by William H. Beardwood, holds 39 stained glass windows. Look for the three Harry Clarke Studio windows from 1931 in the former Infirmary Oratory and another three from 1942 in the College Chapel. The apse windows depicting the joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries are by Earley & Powells of Dublin. A book, Lumen Christi, documenting every window, is available in the monastery shop.
The abbey sits on an extensive estate with 200 acres of woodland and 4 acres of orchard and gardens. A designated walking trail winds past a striking weeping willow beside a man-made stream, follows an esker path lined with oak trees, crosses a little bridge, and opens into a meadow with poplars. Dogs are welcome on the grounds.
The Liturgy of the Hours is celebrated seven times daily in the abbey church. Day visitors are welcome to attend any office — sit quietly and let the rhythm of chant and psalmody wash over you, or use one of the Divine Office books provided. Community Mass is at 8.15am Monday to Saturday and 10.30am on Sunday; Sunday Public Mass is at 12.30pm.
Housed in the main guesthouse, the shop sells books and CDs produced by the monks of Mount St Joseph Abbey, plus religious items from around the world. Some items are also available through their online store.
The original Heaton family mansion serves as the guesthouse, open year-round for residential stays. All rooms are en-suite with lift access to each floor. Breakfast is self-service; lunch and supper are set menus with special diets happily accommodated. The guesthouse welcomes individuals seeking quiet reflection as well as groups bringing their own retreat leader. Contact [email protected] for bookings.
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