Aghaboe Abbey, Laois

Aghaboe Abbey

 

Aghaboe Abbey in Laois is a little known Gem. It lie's on the R434 about 25 Kilometres Southwest of Portlaoise and about 10 Kilometres from Mountrath, Abbeyleix, or Borris in Ossory.

The Abbey was founded in the 6th Century by Saint Canice and there is an attractive Church Of Ireland building from the 1700's of the same name located at the site.

According to information on a memorial at the site, one of its early Abbots, Saint Feargal (Virgilius) resigned his position and left Ireland eventually becoming the Bishop of Salzburg in Austria.

The Monastery which originally stood here was burned in 1234 and the present ruins are described as the ruins of a Dominican Friary from 1382.

The windows of the Abbey are a notable feature and there's a beautiful double archway inside. The preservation work that has been done here is nothing short of impressive. I've visited Aghaboe three times while cycling, but if you're driving there's ample parking in a purpose built car park.

 

It's a beautiful location and well worth a visit.

 

There's a thoughtfully designed Memorial Stone / Information Plaque with the important dates inscribed on it.

 

Saint Canice's Church is right beside it and worth visiting as well while here.

 

In the Graveyard is the tomb of General Sir Robert White KCB (Order of the Bath) of the 17th and 21st Lancers.

There's a small hillock to the side of the Abbey with some tree's on it. This is a Norman Motte and initially a small wooden fortification would have stood here.

Throughout Irish History we come across mention of Picts, Gaels, Gauls, Milesians, Norsemen and Normans, and a plethora of influences from across Britain, Continental Europe, and further afield.

It is likely that because Ireland was an isolated Island on the Western periphery of Europe it was initially perceived as a place of safety or retreat from which the tradition of Ireland as a place of learning, writing, and study arose.

In the latter parts of Irelands recorded history as squabbling Chiefdoms and Clans continued to fight over local territorial disputes it was  ripe for conquest and settlement as Britain, its one time Roman neighbour expanded its reach throughout Europe and further afield.

As such we have been fortunate enough to have inherited a wealth of treasures waiting to be explored.

 

Laois heritage Trail

Aghaboe Abbey (Discover Ireland)