Glenstal Abbey

Glenstal was once home to the Barringtons, a wealthy family of landowners and baronets. They built the castle in the 1830’s and were well-respected by local people, eventually leaving Ireland after the tragic death of their daughter in the Irish War of Independence. The castle was purchased by a local priest who invited monks from the  Belgian Abbey of Maredsous to begin a community here in 1927.

We are a Roman Catholic monastery in the Benedictine tradition, living the Christian life together under an Abbot and the guidance of the Rule of Saint Benedict. The monastery day is centred around prayer and the monks meet for worship in the early morning, at midday, in the early evening and at the close of the day. Monks then devote significant portions of their day to private prayer and study, in addition to various works across the Abbey.

Visiting:

Information is available at the Monastery Reception (open weekdays 9am – 5pm) which is located on the right-hand side after the entrance arch. You are also welcome to visit the grounds and the gift shop.

The monastery, located at the heart of the former Barrington estate, exists in a beautiful place. Many visitors simply walk the avenues at their leisure. The adjacent lands have a wide variety of specimen trees and flowers and is a wildlife sanctuary. Part of the remains of Ireland’s primitive oak forest lies along the edge of the Front Avenue.

In welcoming you, we ask you to be mindful that the space available to you is the home of a monastic community, boarding school and a working farm. Many areas are thus designated as ‘private.’ The school buildings, playing fields and cloister areas are not open to the public, although viewing can be arranged for visiting groups by appointment. Other areas are without access because of health and safety. Car parking and walking is your own risk.