Mellifont Abbey
Mellifont Abbey
4.5
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Plan your visit
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
13 within 5 kms
Attractions
34 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
238 reviews
Excellent
124
Very good
94
Average
19
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Caroline L
Dublin, Ireland34 contributions
Aug 2024 • Solo
This past weekend I visited Ireland's Ancient East. One of the OPW sites I had an opportunity to enjoy was Mellifont Abbey (or Old Mellifont Abbey)
Even though it was wet outside, Nicola gave a terrific tour to myself and a French family. We learned about the history of the Cistercian order, how the abbey was founded and its evolution to modern times. Its clear she has a passion for history and a love for the location itself.
The exhibit was terrific and the walk through the site with somebody who could re-create it in our minds eye, was important.
Plenty of parking and toilets were a welcome sight
I always do the tour if possible.
Even though it was wet outside, Nicola gave a terrific tour to myself and a French family. We learned about the history of the Cistercian order, how the abbey was founded and its evolution to modern times. Its clear she has a passion for history and a love for the location itself.
The exhibit was terrific and the walk through the site with somebody who could re-create it in our minds eye, was important.
Plenty of parking and toilets were a welcome sight
I always do the tour if possible.
Written 6 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kris M
Omaha, NE196 contributions
Feb 2022 • Friends
Mellifont Abbey is a wonderful place to wander and absorb history. Because we were there in February, the visitor center was not open, but we also had the entire place to ourselves. They do a good job of noting what the ruined buildings were originally and apply some context for you. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit here and would definitely come again.
Written 22 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wayfaring Libertarian
Belfast, UK766 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
This is an absolutely pleasant place to visit and I’m very grateful I had the opportunity to do just that!
The only downfall is that it’s not very accessible unless you have a car. My friend and I took an Uber to Mellifont Abbey from Drogheda and had to use the local taxi service to get back.
If you have the time and a way to visit though, I highly recommend that you do! It’s beautiful, peaceful, and is a great spot for prayer and reflection.
The only downfall is that it’s not very accessible unless you have a car. My friend and I took an Uber to Mellifont Abbey from Drogheda and had to use the local taxi service to get back.
If you have the time and a way to visit though, I highly recommend that you do! It’s beautiful, peaceful, and is a great spot for prayer and reflection.
Written 20 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bozeman-Dublin
Trim, Ireland11,341 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
We were in beautiful Mellifont recentl, my first visit in a few years. It was out of season so the visitors centre was closed. No matter because there are so many good info display boards dotted about that yiy still get plenty out of your visit
The lavabo was a highlight, where the Monks washed their hands before meals. It's a deceptively large site with so much to see and learn. Beautifully maintained with well kept paths, lots of benches to just sit and contemplate, and as I mentioned loads if info boards.
There's a small free car park at the entrance.
Just a lovely place, so quiet and peaceful in the spring sunshine
The lavabo was a highlight, where the Monks washed their hands before meals. It's a deceptively large site with so much to see and learn. Beautifully maintained with well kept paths, lots of benches to just sit and contemplate, and as I mentioned loads if info boards.
There's a small free car park at the entrance.
Just a lovely place, so quiet and peaceful in the spring sunshine
Written 14 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelsMGD
Dublin, Ireland19 contributions
Jan 2018 • Couples
The site itself is very nice but there is a sign warning people parking cars about cars being broken into. And, after reading the sign we made sure to lock our car and leave nothing on the seats. That, however, did not stop someone from breaking the window out of our rental car. They also broke into the car parked next to ours, and the car next to that. This was in the middle of the day. After talking to the Gardia (police) it sounds like this is an issue in the area. So, if visiting the site I would warn people to leave someone in the car to keep an eye on it.
Written 10 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Familyman03
Dublin, Ireland11 contributions
Dec 2011
I thought I would write a review about the town I live in because I know it well
and it is a tourist attraction. So Drogheda is just 30km north of Dublin, it is often
over looked because it is so close to Dublin but it has a lot to offer.
Historical : The town is over 800 years old and is an old garrison town.
It was originally surround by a fortress wall, very little of the wall remains
but it does have it's main fortress gate intact, called Lawrences Gate which
makes for nice photos plus it has a Martello tower which over looks the town
and it also has Drogheda's museum which has lots of very interesting items
form history, right back to when Cromwell and his army lead an attack on the town
and so leaving it's mark on the town to this day. Their are also historical walks of
the town too.
Shopping is pretty ok with a good shopping center called Scotch hall and it's main street
which is a bit run down but has still some nice shops. It has great restaurants and bars and good night life.
Most important of all it is a great base to visit Dublin, Newgrange, Mellifort Abbey as well
as good beaches near by.
and it is a tourist attraction. So Drogheda is just 30km north of Dublin, it is often
over looked because it is so close to Dublin but it has a lot to offer.
Historical : The town is over 800 years old and is an old garrison town.
It was originally surround by a fortress wall, very little of the wall remains
but it does have it's main fortress gate intact, called Lawrences Gate which
makes for nice photos plus it has a Martello tower which over looks the town
and it also has Drogheda's museum which has lots of very interesting items
form history, right back to when Cromwell and his army lead an attack on the town
and so leaving it's mark on the town to this day. Their are also historical walks of
the town too.
Shopping is pretty ok with a good shopping center called Scotch hall and it's main street
which is a bit run down but has still some nice shops. It has great restaurants and bars and good night life.
Most important of all it is a great base to visit Dublin, Newgrange, Mellifort Abbey as well
as good beaches near by.
Written 5 April 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
phoenixesrose
Dublin, Ireland478 contributions
Feb 2015 • Friends
I decided that it was worth driving the 10 km from Drogheda through the countryside to the Old Mellifont Abbey Ruins. The weather was starting to look more promising, and the fog was starting to burn off the hilltops. I was hopeful that the fog would be at the Abbey Ruins still, to make for some interesting photographs. Lucky for me, when I arrived, the visitor center (formerly Ireland’s first youth hostel) was closed, there was only one small family about, and we had the place pretty much to ourselves because of the cold and poor weather. As the day warmed up though – the fog turned to sun and changed the mood entirely.
Old Mellifont Abbey was founded in 1142 by St. Malachy and was one of the first Cistercian Monasteries in Ireland. It sits on the river Mattock, which runs cheerfully bubbling through the countryside of green rolling hills. By 1170, the abbey had become an example for other abbeys built in Ireland and France architecturally. It was populated by 100 monks and 300 lay persons at the height of its influence. In 1539, it was closed (Henry the VIII) and taken over becoming a fortified house with the entry gate dating to that time period.
In 1690, William of Orange used the fortified house at Mellifont Abbey as his headquarters during the Battle of the Boyne. Sadly, not long after the house went into ruins. There are only a few portions that are visible. You can walk about and see the knee high wall remnants for most of the site. The few higher walls that remain are an octagonal shaped section that dates back to the 13th century called the Lavabo. This is where the monks washed their hands before eating. The Reverse side Lavobo and some of the details like the arches, stonework, and windows are exquisite and allow for an up close and personal look.
The other sections of interest are the 14th century Chapter house (with Romanesque arches and tiled floor) from about 1220; the arched wine cellar; As well as the stone walkway to keep one dry going between buildings.
Up the hill there’s the walled ruins of a small chapel (center of the picture directly below) which you can find an old celtic cross gravestone. I almost missed this as the walkway was a bit hidden.
Overall the site is worth a visit just to see the layout, and because it is “free” to visit (not sure about the visitor center). I found out later that the visitor center has a good display of the architectural ruins and artifacts that have been uncovered in the area. I may need to go back to check this out. Otherwise, from here I headed back in time – to the Monasterboice Abbey Ruins – which dated to the viking times (1000 years younger) and was closed with the start of the Mellifont Abbey.
You can check out some pictures in my blog at:
http://blog.phoenixrosedesign.com/2015/03/05/old-mellifont-abbey/
Old Mellifont Abbey was founded in 1142 by St. Malachy and was one of the first Cistercian Monasteries in Ireland. It sits on the river Mattock, which runs cheerfully bubbling through the countryside of green rolling hills. By 1170, the abbey had become an example for other abbeys built in Ireland and France architecturally. It was populated by 100 monks and 300 lay persons at the height of its influence. In 1539, it was closed (Henry the VIII) and taken over becoming a fortified house with the entry gate dating to that time period.
In 1690, William of Orange used the fortified house at Mellifont Abbey as his headquarters during the Battle of the Boyne. Sadly, not long after the house went into ruins. There are only a few portions that are visible. You can walk about and see the knee high wall remnants for most of the site. The few higher walls that remain are an octagonal shaped section that dates back to the 13th century called the Lavabo. This is where the monks washed their hands before eating. The Reverse side Lavobo and some of the details like the arches, stonework, and windows are exquisite and allow for an up close and personal look.
The other sections of interest are the 14th century Chapter house (with Romanesque arches and tiled floor) from about 1220; the arched wine cellar; As well as the stone walkway to keep one dry going between buildings.
Up the hill there’s the walled ruins of a small chapel (center of the picture directly below) which you can find an old celtic cross gravestone. I almost missed this as the walkway was a bit hidden.
Overall the site is worth a visit just to see the layout, and because it is “free” to visit (not sure about the visitor center). I found out later that the visitor center has a good display of the architectural ruins and artifacts that have been uncovered in the area. I may need to go back to check this out. Otherwise, from here I headed back in time – to the Monasterboice Abbey Ruins – which dated to the viking times (1000 years younger) and was closed with the start of the Mellifont Abbey.
You can check out some pictures in my blog at:
http://blog.phoenixrosedesign.com/2015/03/05/old-mellifont-abbey/
Written 19 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SciobolUlchabhan
Reykjavik, Iceland81 contributions
Sept 2012 • Family
This is the kind of Abbey that I have always wanted to visit. It's so tranquil and peaceful here. In a word, lovely.
Written 13 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul j
Dublin, Ireland193 contributions
Sept 2011 • Couples
There is the Old Mellifont on the Collon road which is a fascinating step back into the monastic history of the area. The central core of the abbey remains despite efforts by the bold English to destroy it. It is worth a visit. However dont forget to visit the New Mellifont Abbey in the village of Collon. the monks lead a very peaceful existence and it is a wonderful place to get away from it all. they offer retreats for the serious pilgrim or the world weary. As an alternative they also have a garden centre and a shop. Or just a chat with one of the monks in order to avail of their wisdom. And wise many of them are even though they have been shut off from world for years
Written 18 March 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
matt staunton
Ireland213 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Well worth a visit. Staggering to be somewhere where people walkes everyday more than a thousand years ago. OPW have done a fine job recreating rhe abbey.
Written 10 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sorry, just saw your question. I don't know, but I never saw anyone official looking. It's a small area. If you clean up after them, it should be ok. Parking is very close to the site.
Written 22 September 2019
We will be there in early October. Can we visit Mellifont Abbey?
Written 9 May 2017
Yes you can visit in October, I think the visitors centre may be closed but you can do the self visit, all the information about the abbey is available on site. I've always visited these way and you can take your time and enjoy.
Written 17 May 2017
Hello.
im very sure they run tours from Droggeda (local town) and the visitor centre in the town will arrange for you stress free. i suggest renting a car as there is many other beautiful attractions around that area. ensure you visit Newgrange..
Slan (goodbye in Irish)
Written 23 January 2017
Showing results 1-3 of 3
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing