Old Mellifont Abbey

Old Mellifont Abbey Old Mellifont Abbey is the ruin of the first Cistercian monastery in Ireland. It was founded in 1142 by St.Malachy of Armagh and is now managed by the OPW.

The first Cistercian monastery in Ireland founded in 1142 by St Malachy of Armagh, its most unusual feature is the octagonal Lavabo c. 1200. The Visitor Centre houses an interesting exhibition on the work of masons in the Middle Ages with fine examples of their craft on display. Access to site by stone stairway. Location: 10km north-west of Drogheda off the R168 (Drogheda-Collon Road)

Bus Route(s

): Contact Bus Eireann, Travel Centre +353 1 836 6111

Guided Tours: Available on request
Max No: 35 - 40
Duration: 40 minutes

Leaflet/Guide book: English, Irish, French, German, Italian, Spanish. Seasonal Events: Please check in advance using contact details listed above. Photography / Video allowed: Yes, but permit required for commercial purposes

Additional Information: The Visitor Centre is fully accessible for visitors with disabilities.

"The artist is a recptacle for the emotions that come from all over the place: from the sky, from the earth, from a scra...
04/09/2026

"The artist is a recptacle for the emotions that come from all over the place: from the sky, from the earth, from a scrap of paper, from a passing shape, from a spiders web ".
Pablo Picasso
Good morning from Old Mellifont Abbey. We can put up with the raindrops when they decorate the delicate strands of the cobweb like tiny diamonds. Lovely day to visit the Font of Honey.
All welcome.

"Think of the fierce energy concentrated in an acorn! You bury it in the ground and it explodes into an oak. " ...
03/09/2026

"Think of the fierce energy concentrated in an acorn! You bury it in the ground and it explodes into an oak. "
George Bernard Shaw
Good morning from Old Mellifont Abbey. The Cistercians often used natural imagery in the restrained decoration they permitted. On the guided tour you will see the 12th Century tiles in the Chapter House with an oak leaf motif. Why not join us on a tour?
All welcome
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Good morning from Old Mellifont Abbey. First Wednesday of the month so admission is free of charge. All welcome. ...
02/09/2026

Good morning from Old Mellifont Abbey. First Wednesday of the month so admission is free of charge. All welcome.

"Noons are sunny, warm, and still;A golden haze o'erhangs the hill;Amber sunshine's on the floorJust within the open doo...
01/09/2026

"Noons are sunny, warm, and still;
A golden haze o'erhangs the hill;
Amber sunshine's on the floor
Just within the open door;
In September "
Elizabeth Cole
Good morning from Old Mellifont Abbey. Perfect day for a visit.
# CistercianAbbey heritageireland

"Noons are sunny, warm, and still;A golden haze o'erhangs the hill;Amber sunshine's on the floorJust within the open doo...
01/09/2026

"Noons are sunny, warm, and still;
A golden haze o'erhangs the hill;
Amber sunshine's on the floor
Just within the open door.
In September.
Elizabeth Cole
Good morning from Old Mellifont Abbey. First day of September has dawned bright and clear but there is the slightest hint of autumn in the air. Beautiful day for a visit.
All welcome.

Good morning from Old Mellifont Abbey. Our season is drawing to a close and our third and final Sketching among the st...
31/08/2026

Good morning from Old Mellifont Abbey. Our season is drawing to a close and our third and final Sketching among the stones Art Workshop with Susan Farrelly from Abbey Art Studios is due to take place on Thursday September 24th. This free event has limited capacity but we still have some places available. To book please email [email protected]. We were very lucky with the weather for the first two Workshops so hopefully the third one will also be charmed but dress for the weather if attending.
All welcome.

"The frantic pace of life is only interrupted by the quietness of Sunday" Byron PulsiferGood ...
30/08/2026

"The frantic pace of life is only interrupted by the quietness of Sunday"
Byron Pulsifer
Good morning from Old Mellifont Abbey.
True, the sky is grey and yes the forecast is for rain but it is still a great day to visit and enjoy the beauty of the site. Just pop on your rain jacket.
All welcome.

"August was nearly over - the month of apples and falling stars, the last care-free month for the school children. The ...
29/08/2026

"August was nearly over - the month of apples and falling stars, the last care-free month for the school children. The days were not hot, but sunny and limpidly clear- the first sign of advancing autumn. "
Victor Nekrasov
Good afternoon from Old Mellifont Abbey. The schools are reopening for the Autumn term, why not come along this weekend and take a tour, or self guide. Soak up the calm atmosphere of this beautiful monastery.
All welcome

"August is the slow, gentle month that stretches out the longest across the span of a year. It yawns and lingers on wi...
28/08/2026

"August is the slow, gentle month that stretches out the longest across the span of a year. It yawns and lingers on with the light in its palms".
Victoria Erickson
Good morning from Old Mellifont Abbey. The summer is winding down, we have only 5 weeks left before the guides, like the swallows, leave before the approaching Autumn. Still time for a guided tour, a quiet moment on site or to sit and enjoy a coffee from Inside Out Coffee and contemplate the ruins of the first Cistercian Abbey in Ireland.
All welcome

Address

Old Mellifont Abbey
Drogheda
CO.LOUTH

Telephone

041 982 6459

Website

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