Sligo Abbey

Sligo Abbey Welcome to the official page for Sligo Abbey an OPW managed heritage site. This enigmatic friary will inspire and enlighten it's visitors.

Known locally as the Abbey, this Dominican Friary was founded in the mid - 13th century by Maurice Fitzgerald. The site contains a great wealth of carvings including Gothic and Renaissance tomb sculpture, well preserved cloister and the only sculptured 15th century high altar to survive in any Irish monastic church. Open from 10 am seven days a week from the end of Mar to the end of Oct. Last admi

ssion 5.15 pm. Known locally as ‘The Abbey’, this Dominican Friary was founded in the mid - 13th century. It contains a great wealth of carvings including Gothic and Renaissance tomb sculpture, a well preserved cloister and the only sculptured 15th century high altar to survive in any Irish monastic church. This enigmatic friary will inspire and enlighten its visitors.

CURIOSITY SATURDAY: A piece of Sligo Abbey’s hidden history? The 18th Century Townhouse of Sligo Abbey.Located just past...
13/06/2026

CURIOSITY SATURDAY: A piece of Sligo Abbey’s hidden history?

The 18th Century Townhouse of Sligo Abbey.
Located just past the Visitor Centre, the stone foundations of this 18th century Townhouse offer a glimpse into Sligo’s layered domestic history.

This three story building served entirely as a private dwelling with no religious function, constructed using stone repurposed from the neighboring abbey ruins.

The property features a historic cobblestone yard, which incorporates the old Abbey Lane the original medieval pathway to the church entrance.

Though the upper levels are gone, the footprint reveals distinct domestic features.

The Fireplace: The rear door leads from the yard into a ground floor room featuring a prominent brick lined fireplace, the remains of which can be seen today.

The

Great job! A great guide really makes all the difference when you're exploring a place with as much deep history as Slig...
11/06/2026

Great job!

A great guide really makes all the difference when you're exploring a place with as much deep history as Sligo Abbey. Our very own Guide/ Information Officer Harry.

Between the beautifully preserved gothic arches, the old stone carvings, and the sheer amount of drama this abbey survived over the centuries, there is so much for him to dive into.

If you happen to catch any of his favorite local legends or cool historical facts during the tour, feel free to share, we would love to hear them! Have a wonderful rest of your day exploring Sligo. 🧚‍♀️

Ever notice those weird square holes in the walls of Sligo Abbey. They’re called putlog holes, and they are literal impr...
10/06/2026

Ever notice those weird square holes in the walls of Sligo Abbey.

They’re called putlog holes, and they are literal imprints of medieval scaffolding frozen in time.

🛠️ How they worked: As stonecutters built upward, they stuck horizontal wooden beams into the wall to hold up their work platforms.

The aftermath: When the building was finished, they pulled the wood out (or cut it off to rot away), leaving these ghostly gaps behind.

History in reverse: Today, these holes allow historians to map exactly how these ancient structures were climbed and conquered by the craftsmen who built them.

History isn't just in the stones sometimes it’s in the empty spaces!

Big news at Sligo Abbey! We’ve officially upgraded our staff wellness program with a state of the art aquarium. 🐟✨Best o...
09/06/2026

Big news at Sligo Abbey!

We’ve officially upgraded our staff wellness program with a state of the art aquarium. 🐟✨

Best of all? They don’t require much feeding, they’ll never complain about the water temperature, and their dental plans are shockingly affordable.

Stop by the visitor centre to say hello to Finneas (blue) and and Gill (red).

The team is already feeling the therapeutic, calming benefits of watching these majestic creatures glide through the water, but please don’t tap on the fish tank, it disrupts their internal clockwork. 😋🧚‍♀️

07/06/2026

It really is a powerful sight to see the procession weave its way through the streets of Sligo. There is a deep sense of history and community as everyone walks together, carrying on a tradition that has connected generations of local families.
The journey through the town creates a wonderful bridge between everyday life and the sacred atmosphere of the event, building up a real sense of anticipation before everyone arrives at the historic grounds of the Abbey for the final prayers. Corpus Christi 🧚‍♀️

07/06/2026

Seeing the community come together to brave the elements, especially with the children in their First Holy Communion outfits, really highlights the spirit of the parishes. The atmosphere of the Blessed Sacrament against the backdrop of the abbey's medieval ruins makes the weather completely secondary to the evening. Corpus Christi 🧚‍♀️

The East Window of Sligo Abbey is a masterpiece of 15th century Gothic architecture. As seen from the interior in the hi...
07/06/2026

The East Window of Sligo Abbey is a masterpiece of 15th century Gothic architecture. As seen from the interior in the historical sketch, its tall, elegant mullions and geometric tracery rise dramatically above the high altar.

From the outside, shown in, the window is seamlessly integrated into the rugged limestone masonry of the choir gable, preserving its finely carved details despite centuries of weathering.

When viewed from down the nave through the central tower arch, it highlights the medieval design intended to flood the sanctuary with morning light, serving today as a beautiful monument to Ireland's monastic history. 🧚‍♀️

Corpus Christi 🧚‍♀️
07/06/2026

Corpus Christi 🧚‍♀️

06/06/2026

There is a profound, quiet beauty in looking back at how time has gently held onto Sligo Abbey.

The ancient cloister feels wrapped in a warm embrace, with lush green ivy and blooming flowers breathing life into the old stone. It evokes the nostalgia of a faded summer afternoon, reminding us that beauty always endures.

In contrast, the sepia tones offer a peaceful, reverent pause. The striking stone arches and towering walls stand strong amidst the quiet shadows of history, serving as a timeless sanctuary for the generations who walked beneath them.

Together, these images are a touching reminder that while decades fade, the soul and majesty of Sligo Abbey remain beautifully unchanged. 🧚‍♀️

Corpus Christi Procession to Sligo Abbey, Sunday, 7th June.This Sunday, 7th June, our community comes together for the a...
04/06/2026

Corpus Christi Procession to Sligo Abbey, Sunday, 7th June.

This Sunday, 7th June, our community comes together for the annual Corpus Christi procession, culminating in the historic grounds of Sligo Abbey.

There is a profound beauty in this living tradition stepping into the past. As they walk from the Cathedral, the Friary and St. Anne’s into the sunlit, roofless sanctuary of the 13th century Abbey, we connect generations of faith and community spirit.

Seeing everyone gather from our young First Holy Communion children to our elders fills these ancient stone walls with vibrant life, music, and prayer once again.

Whether you are joining to express your faith or simply to share in a beautiful, timeless local tradition, you are warmly welcome.

Let us gather this Sunday to bring peace, reverence, and community warmth to the heart of Sligo.

Pictures from the past. The 2026 Corpus Christi procession will arrive at Sligo Abbey for Benediction at 8:30 pm on Sunday 7 June . All welcome.

Address

Abbey Street
Sligo
F91K796

Telephone

+353719146406

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