Holy Cross Cistercian Abbey

Map Reference: S088543 (2088, 1543)

This was originally a Benedictine foundation but was refounded in 1186 by Cistercians from Monasteranenagh in Co Limerick. The church was re-roofed in 1975 and is now used by the local parish.



Substantial portions of the cloister and its surrounding buildings have been restored. The church is a fine example of 15th century architecture with magnificent vaulting over the chancel and at the tower-crossing.



There are many very fine traceried windows.



In the chancel is a richly decorated sedilia with intertwined beasts and royal and noble coats of arms.



In the S transept is a structure like a tomb-chest surmounted by a vaulted cover supported by twisted pillars. It is known as "The Monks' Waking Place" and may have been a shrine to hold the portion of the True Cross for which the abbey was famous. In the area of the tower-crossing there are many masons' marks. Some of these are simply inscribed but others are miniature works of art.



High up on the wall is a very fine carved owl.





For some more photos of Holy Cross Abbey click HERE

For more examples of Cistercian Abbeys click the following links

Corcomroe, Co Clare Grey Abbey, Co Down Inch Abbey, Co Down Abbeyknockmoy, Co Galway Duiske Abbey, Co Kilkenny Jerpoint, Co Kilkenny Monasteranenagh, Co Limerick Abbeylara, Co Longford Abbeyshrule, Co Longford Mellifont, Co Louth Bective, Co Meath Boyle, Co Roscommon Hore Abbey, Co Tipperary Kilcooly, Co Tipperary Dunbrody, Co Wexford Tintern, Co Wexford Baltinglass, Co Wicklow