Overview
County Longford’s gentle countryside is dotted with the stone silhouettes of two historic Cistercian foundations – Abbeylara and Abbeyshrule. Set just a few kilometres apart, these sites showcase the order’s 12th‑ and 13th‑century monastic ambition, the influence of the O’Farrells of Annaly, and the later scars of dissolution and conflict. Today the ruins sit amid lakes, rivers, ancient dykes and a thriving greenway network, offering visitors a blend of heritage and outdoor recreation.
History / Background
Abbeylara
- Founding (1205) – Hiberno‑Norman lord Risteárd de Tiúit (Richard Tuite) established a Cistercian house dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, originally called Mainistir Lerha.
- Affiliation – Daughter house of St Mary’s Abbey, Dublin, becoming a regional centre of worship and agriculture.
- Patronage & Growth – Papal indulgences in 1410 and 1435 funded repairs; the O’Farrell family held the monastery in the 15th century, and two of its abbots later became bishops of Clonmacnoise.
- Dissolution – By 1550 the abbey was suppressed; the Nugent family (Barons of Delvin) received the lands in 1552. The church fell into ruin, though the graveyard remained in use.
- Surviving Features – A rare Sheela‑na‑gig on the south chapel wall, the outline of the cloister garth, and a graveyard with headstones ranging from the 16th to the 20th century.
Abbeyshrule
- Founding (1150) – Monks from Mellifont, under the patronage of the O’Farrells, built a Cistercian abbey dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary on the banks of the River Inny.
- Early Roots – An earlier Christian settlement is hinted at by the recorded death of Abbot Moelpoil in 904.
- Golden Period – The house escaped the 1215 visitation of Stephen de Lexington, supervised Boyle Abbey, and was one of only three Irish houses permitted to use the Irish language in liturgy.
- Conflict & Decline – Burned by English forces in 1476 and sacked around 1550 by Hugh Roe O’Donnell’s army; after the dissolution it passed to Sir Robert Dillon (1569) and later the King Harmon family.
- Modern Conservation – Late‑20th‑century stabilisation of walls, restoration of lintels, and a sedum‑roofed four‑storey tower house. In 2017 solar‑LED lighting was added, creating a striking night silhouette.
- Community Recognition – Abbeyshrule won the National Tidy Towns award in 2012 and a Gold Medal at the European Entente Florale competition the same year.
- Archaeology – Finds such as the Clonbrin Shield (1906) show activity on the site from the Bronze Age.
- Additional Details – The abbey was originally known as Flumen Dei (Latin for “River of God”). At dissolution the monastic estate covered over 4,000 acres. A four‑storey tower house with a sedum roof now dominates the site, illuminated each summer evening by solar‑LEDs. The ruins and surrounding grounds are vested in Longford County Council. The nearby Abbeyshrule Aerodrome serves light aircraft, and the Royal Canal has been reopened to tourist water‑borne traffic.
What to See & Do
Abbeylara
- Abbey Ruins – Wander among the crumbling nave, chancel and faint cloister outlines; the stone arches hint at the original scale.
- Sheela‑na‑gig – Spot the medieval protective carving on the south chapel wall.
- Historic Graveyard – View a range of headstones, from simple 16th‑century slabs to elaborate 19th‑century monuments.
- Black Pig’s Dyke (Dún‑chlaí) – A short walk north leads to the remains of this early‑medieval fortified ditch, part of a defensive system stretching from Lough Gowna to Lough Kinale.
- Angling – Nearby Lough Kinale and Lough Derragh offer excellent fishing for pike, perch and roach (licence required).
Abbeyshrule
- Abbey Ruins – Open year‑round and free. Highlights include the 13th‑century east and north church walls, a crossing arch beneath a double bellcote, and the faint foundations of the cloister garth.
- Four‑storey Tower House – A post‑dissolution addition now protected by a sedum roof; illuminated at night by solar LEDs.
- Graveyard & High Cross Shaft – Historic gravestones and a fragment of a high cross provide a quiet place for reflection.
- Royal Canal Greenway – A traffic‑free surface for walkers and cyclists runs through the village, offering panoramic views of the surrounding bogland.
- Whitworth Aqueduct – About a kilometre west, this impressive stone aqueduct spans the River Inny, perfect for photography and a brief rest.
- River Inny – Ideal for angling, kayaking or a leisurely riverside stroll; the canal is now open to tourist boat traffic.
- Cultural Highlights – The village was named Ireland’s Tidy Town in 2012 and received a European Entente Florale gold medal the same year. A replica of Oliver Goldsmith’s statue marks his nearby birthplace at Pallas.
Activities & Outdoor Pursuits
- Walking & Hiking – The Royal Canal Greenway provides a flat, traffic‑free trail linking Abbeyshrule with Granard, Lanesborough and beyond. Short circular walks from Abbeylara lead to the Black Pig’s Dyke earthwork and the lakeshore of Lough Kinale.
- Cycling – The same greenway is popular with cyclists; the route is well‑signposted and passes several picnic spots.
- Kayaking & Canoeing – The River Inny’s gentle flow makes it suitable for beginner kayakers. Local outfitters in Abbeyshrule rent kayaks and can arrange guided trips to Lough Ree.
- Boat Trips – Tourist boats now ply the Royal Canal, offering a scenic way to view the abbey from the water and to reach nearby islands on Lough Ree.
- Fishing – Anglers can fish the River Inny for trout and salmon, as well as the stocked waters of Lough Kinale and Lough Derragh (licence required).
- Bird‑watching – The bogland east of Abbeyshrule and the lakes support a variety of waterfowl and waders, especially in spring and autumn migration periods.
Seasonal Highlights
- Spring (April‑June) – Wildflowers bloom along the canal banks; the greenway is at its most vibrant and ideal for walking or cycling.
- Summer (July‑August) – Long daylight hours allow visitors to experience the solar‑LED night lighting on the Abbeyshrule tower house. Picnic areas near the canal are busiest.
- Autumn (September‑October) – Colours change around the lakes; fishing for pike and perch is at its peak.
- Winter (November‑March) – The sites are quiet and atmospheric; sturdy footwear and warm clothing are advised as the ruins are exposed to wind.
Events & Awards
- Tidy Towns Award (2012) – Abbeyshrule was crowned Ireland’s Tidy Town, reflecting community pride and well‑kept public spaces.
- European Entente Florale Gold Medal (2012) – The village’s horticultural efforts earned it a top European accolade.
- Seasonal Lighting – Solar‑LED illumination of the tower house creates a memorable night‑time view, especially during summer evenings.
Getting There
By Car – County Longford sits on the N4 (Dublin‑Sligo) and the N5 (Dublin‑Mayo). Abbeylara is 3 km east of Granard on the R396; Abbeyshrule lies off the N55, a short detour from the N55‑R395 junction.
By Train – The Dublin‑Sligo line serves Longford and Edgeworthstown stations, both within 20 km of the abbeys. Regular Irish Rail services connect Dublin, Sligo and the Midlands.
By Bus – Bus Éireann routes 22, 23 and 65 pass through Longford town and Edgeworthstown, providing links to Dublin, Galway, Sligo and other regional centres. Local Link route 426 also stops near Abbeyshrule.
By Air – Ireland West Airport (Knock) is just over an hour’s drive away, offering flights to Dublin and several UK destinations.
Visitor Facilities & Parking
- Parking – Abbeyshrule has a small, free, designated car park off the main road. Abbeylara offers limited roadside parking near the ruins; spaces can fill quickly in summer, so early arrival is advisable.
- Toilets – Public facilities are available in the village of Abbeyshrule. No permanent visitor centre exists at either site.
- Accessibility – The ground is uneven and the ruins are not wheelchair‑friendly, but older children and able‑bodied visitors will find the paths manageable.
- Dog‑friendly – Dogs are welcome on the grounds provided they are kept under control.
- What to Bring – Sturdy footwear, water, a licence for anglers and, in winter, warm clothing as the sites are exposed.
Nearby Amenities
Both villages have a small selection of shops, cafés and pubs serving hot drinks and light meals. Accommodation ranging from bed‑and‑breakfasts in Granard to self‑catering cottages near the canal provides convenient bases for longer stays.
Nearby Attractions
- Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre – An Iron Age oak trackway near Kenagh, offering a boardwalk and interpretive displays.
- Edgeworthstown – Home to the Edgeworth literary trail and the historic Edgeworthstown House.
- Barley Harbour – A tranquil limestone harbour on Lough Ree, reachable by boat from Abbeyshrule.
- [Lough Ree] – Island of Inchcleraun (Quaker Island) with early monastic ruins is a short boat ride away.
- Granard – The nearby market town provides cafés, shops and the Knights and Conquests heritage trail.
Practical Information
- Access – Abbeylara lies 3 km east of Granard on the R396. Abbeyshrule sits in the River Inny valley, reachable via the N55 and local roads. The nearest train stations are Longford (on the Dublin‑Sligo line) and Edgeworthstown.
- Opening Times – Both sites are open year‑round and free of charge. There are no formal opening hours; visitors can explore at any time, though daylight is recommended.
- Parking – Limited roadside parking exists at each village; Abbeyshrule has a small designated car park off the main road. Arrive early in peak season.
- Facilities – No permanent visitor centre. Bring water, sturdy footwear and, for anglers, a valid Irish fishing licence. Toilets are available in the village of Abbeyshrule.
- Accessibility – The ruins are on uneven ground; they are not wheelchair‑friendly but are suitable for families with older children.
- Dog‑friendly – Dogs are welcome on the grounds so long as they are kept under control.
- Best Visiting Seasons – Late spring to early autumn offers the most pleasant weather for walking the greenway, exploring the earthworks and enjoying the lakes and rivers.
- Nearby Amenities – Both villages have small shops, cafés and pubs. The Royal Canal Greenway provides rest points and signage.
Enjoy a day (or two) stepping back into medieval monastic life while soaking up the natural beauty that still surrounds County Longford’s Cistercian heritage.