Baltinglass Abbey

Baltinglass Abbey stands on the banks of the River Slaney on the outskirts of the small town of Baltinglass. The abbey was founded in 1148 by the king of Leinster, Diarmait MacMurrough, as a daughter house of the Cistercian Abbey at Mellifont, Co. Louth. What survives at Baltinglass is essentially the church of the abbey. The chancel and the transept at the east end were probably constructed in the early 1150s, whereas the aisled nave with the wonderful piers and arches was probably constructed in the 1160s. The various domestic buildings and the cloister that once formed part of the complex have disappeared. The tower within the building was constructed in the early 19th century. There are many interesting decorative carvings, and the sculptors who carved them appear to have been also responsible for the carvings at another Cistercian abbey at Jerpoint, Co. Kilkenny. Please note that many of these monuments may be on private land and may not be publicly accessible. When setting out to visit monuments please ensure that you wear appropriate footwear and clothing. Access to monuments without Visitor Services may be across uneven ground which may not be suitable for everyone and, in particular, wheelchair users.