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Ballymore Monastery
Ballymore Monastery, also known as the Augustinian Priory of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is located in County Westmeath and was founded around 1218 by Walter de Lacy. This religious site was unique in medieval Ireland as it originally functioned as a double monastery, housing both monks and nuns. The architecture showcases the transition from late Romanesque to Early English Gothic styles, with the stone ruins providing a clear layout of the original priory church and domestic quarters. It served as a significant ecclesiastical and administrative hub for the Augustinian canons in the Irish Midlands for over three centuries. In 1540, the priory was suppressed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under King Henry VIII, and its vast lands were confiscated by the Crown. Today, the skeletal remains of the buildings offer a glimpse into the structured life of medieval clerics and the regional dominance of the de Lacy family. The site is a poignant reminder of Ireland's medieval monastic tradition and its eventual upheaval during the Tudor period.
- Location: Ireland
- Top sights: Noughaval Cemetery · Tang Church
- Nearby: Moate (15 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 5 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 111 | 88 | 85 | 72 | 85 | 95 | 101 | 111 | 89 | 109 | 120 | 116 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- Founded circa 1218 by Walter de Lacy for the Augustinian order.
- It was originally established as a rare double monastery for monks and nuns.
- The site exhibits transitional architecture from Romanesque to Early English Gothic.
- The monastery was formally dissolved in 1540 during the Tudor reforms.
- The ruins are located in County Westmeath near the historic village of Ballymore.
- Several medieval carved grave slabs are still preserved within the church ruins.
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Sights in the town Ballymore Monastery (2)
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Frequently asked questions
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Ballymore Monastery: where is it located?
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