Bective Abbey

Bective Abbey overlooking the legendary River Boyne is the oldest Cistercian foundation in Meath and the second oldest in Ireland. It was founded in 1147 with an endowment from Murchad Ua Máel Sechnaill, who ruled over the kingdom of Meath from 1106 to 1153. Bective Abbey incorporates three building phases in the history of the building. Firstly there are the church and conventual buildings constructed in the late 12th century. In the 15th century the abbey was rebuilt, and after the abbey was dissolved in the 16th century the building was converted into a Tudor mansion. In the cloister is the only known carving of St Bernard of Clairvaux, founder of the Cistercian Order. Ongoing research excavations within the precinct of the abbey have uncovered the remains of a medieval barn as well as the monk’s garden. 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.