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Mount Melleray Abbey
In May 1832, a group of Irish and English Cistercian monks—forced from Brittany after the French Revolution—found sanctuary on rugged land near Cappoquin, gifted by Sir Richard Keane. The foundation stone of Mount Melleray was blessed a year later, and in May 1835, it became Ireland’s first abbey since the Reformation.
The monks transformed barren fields into working farmland with help from local neighbours. Under Dom Bruno Fitzpatrick, who became abbot in 1848, Mount Melleray grew in reputation and influence, sending monks to establish daughter communities in Roscrea and again across the Atlantic in Iowa.
At the beginning of 2025, after nearly 200 years, the community took a difficult decision. Mount Melleray closed as an active monastery in January, and the monks joined other Cistercian houses to continue their work in Roscrea, forming the new “Abbey of Our Lady of Silence".
Though the monastic life has shifted, the abbey’s buildings and spirit remain, a silent witness to lives of prayer, hospitality and service.
St Declan’s Way
Legend holds that St Declan of Ardmore walked from his monastic settlement to Cashel in the 5th century, ahead of St Patrick, to affirm his own spiritual leadership. The path that bears his name connects ancient faith communities, St Declan’s monastery and well in Ardmore, Hore Abbey, Lismore, Mount Melleray and finally Cashel’s Rock of Kings. Today’s trail unfolds across 115 km (71 mi) of rolling farmland, mountain ridges and coastal views. Begun in earnest by local volunteers in the mid‑1990s, the route was formally surveyed and opened in September 2021 at Mount Melleray, and is now recognised by Sport Ireland as one of Ireland’s official long-distance pilgrim paths. For almost two centuries, Mount Melleray welcomed pilgrims in search of rest, prayer or a quiet place to pause. That tradition informs everything we do today. Though our rooms are basic, they sit on the same ground where pilgrims once found sanctuary - walking the Way, staying the night, and blessing each other’s journey.
St Declan of Ardmore
St Declan is celebrated as one of Ireland’s earliest Christian saints. He founded a monastery at Ardmore in the early 5th century and became a spiritual leader for the Déise people of Waterford. Known for his hospitality and care for travellers, Declan’s monastery became a centre of learning and prayer long before Ireland’s church was fully established. His influence shaped the region for generations, and the trail that now bears his name reflects both his journey and his enduring presence in the communities along the way.
A Living Tradition
Mount Melleray and St Declan’s Way are places where history is felt rather than read. Quiet paths, open landscapes and the abbey’s enduring presence invite you to pause, reflect and reconnect. For centuries, travellers and pilgrims have passed through here in search of rest or a moment of stillness. Today, the welcome remains.
What You’ll Experience:
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Walking a route based on the movement of a 5th‑century saint
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A changing landscape from forests to mountains to coast
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Moments of quiet on Abbey grounds, framed by centuries of prayer
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Historic sites: Hore Abbey, Cahir Castle, Lismore, Ardmore
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Community‑driven hospitality rooted in monastic service
