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Mellifont Abbey
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Mellifont Abbey was the first Cistercian monastery in Ireland and is situated on the bank of the River
Mattock between Slane and Collon, in Co. Louth. It derives it's name from the Latin Melli-fons meaning
Honey Fountain. It was founded in 1142 by St Malachy and a group of French and Irish monks on land granted
by O'Carrol, Prince of Oriel. It eventually became the head house of over twenty monasteries, and owned
thousands of acres in Meath and Louth.
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Following it's dissolution in 1539 the abbey buildings were converted to a fortified residence by Sir
Edward Moore. In 1641 it was taken by Sir Phelim O' Neill when he attacked but failed to take Drogheda.
During the Battle of the Boyne in 1690 King William's headquarters were based at Mellifont. The house
was abandoned and fell into ruins in the early 18th Century. It is now in State care as a National Monument,
and a recently opened Visitor Centre displays many stones and tiles found during the excavation.
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Below is a plan of the Abbey. The darker shaded areas show the walls which were remaining and those which
were uncovered during excavation.
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For more information about the facilities, opening hours and charges at Mellifont, click HERE.
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