Stella Power Design

Mellifont Abbey was the first Cistercian abbey to be built in Ireland. Founded in 1142 on the orders of Saint Malachy, the Archbishop of Armagh, the Abbey sat on the banks of the River Mattock, not far from the town of Drogheda.

On approaching the ruins of Mellifont Abbey today, the first building that the visitor encounters is a massive, castle-like structure with a turret at its north east corner. This is all that remains of the original gate house of the old abbey. The entrance road formerly led through the archway beneath the tower.

Little of the original abbey remains, save a 13th century octagonal Lavabo, which once housed a central fountain for hand washing before meals. Only four of its arches still stand. Arriving at the present entrance gate to the abbey ruins you can look down on the outline of the entire abbey buildings below. On the east side of the cloister stands the chapter house, with its vaulted ceiling is still intact. However, its once elaborately decorated entrance arch has been removed.

A4 Glossy Print