In 1150, one of Ireland’s first Cistercian abbeys was established in the picturesque valley of the River Inny in Abbeyshrule village. The site, located in County Longford and just 30km northwest of Mullingar, was founded by the O’Ferralls and colonised by monks from Mellifont.

Abbeyshrule was one of the largest abbeys in Leinster. Rectangular in structure, it had a large number of cells, a chapel, sacristy, pantry, kitchens, and refectory. Its situation on the banks of the Inny allowed for easy access to the islands of Lough Ree, Clonmacnoise, and the important town of Kilbixy.

Among the ruins, you can find the east end of the church and a lovely pointed doorway.