Just outside the small village of Golden in Tipperary lies a true hidden Gem, Athassel Priory.
One of Ireland's oldest and also possibly it's largest Priory, Athassel is simply stunning and the site is huge. Pictures cannot do it justice.
Founded in the 12th Century by William Fitz-Aldhelm de Burgho the site covers over 4 acres with a mass of ruins scattered throughout. William Fitz-Aldhelm de Burgho was despatched to Ireland by Henry II after the death of Strongbow. de Burgh and Burke are the later derivatives of the Norman de Burgho name.
The main entrance arch is an impressive sight as are all the other features here such as the windows, pillars, cloisters and cells.
I believe the sculpted parts of the Priory were constructed from stone brought to Ireland from Somerset !
It must have been a long struggle to get it from Somerset to Athassel in the 12th Century.
It must have been a long struggle to get it from Somerset to Athassel in the 12th Century.
Athassel was an Augustinian Priory and the building was continually added to over 300 Centuries. Sometime after the dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th Century it passed into the hands of the Butlers and eventually fell into ruin. The same fate would befall most Irish Monasteries, Abbeys and Priories.
The Priory is situated on the banks of the River Suir and located in Farm fields. It is easily accessed and there were no cattle in the fields when we visited however you may have to navigate through a herd if they are grazing when you visit. There is just about room to park a car tightly to the side of the road.
Nearby is The Rock of Cashel (about 10 Kms away), which we dropped into on our way home. Although the Rock of Cashel is beautiful I can honestly say I much preferred the ruins of Athassel Priory, especially as we had the place to ourselves and it seemed so peaceful.
There is a small bridge at the entrance to the Priory around which water was diverted from the river to perhaps work a mill, although it was likely to have been a defensive feature too.
The masonry and handiwork of Medieval Stonemasons is staggering, works of pure Art.
Athassel is in the care of the OPW who in 2008 had a report drawn up on its conservation. Hopefully they will have placed a priority on Athassel's preservation. One wall of a side building looked perilously close to collapse when we visited.
These Medieval buildings are an important part of the Country's Heritage and deserve protection and conservation, especially considering the sheer scale and history of this particular Historic site.
With few visitors to Athassel it's very quiet, picturesque, and tranquil. Another of Ireland's outstanding Heritage sites that's free to visit..... What's not to like.
From the village of Golden Athassel is signposted and there are no turns after you follow the sign from the village so it is easy enough to find.
Below are a few more Photograph's of Athassel Priory.
Some of the carved slabs in the Priory.
Vaulted ceiling of one of the Cells.
