Ballintubber Abbey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ballintubber Abbey |
|
|---|---|
Ballintubber Abbey, eastern elevation
|
|
 Ballintubber Abbey
Location in Ireland
|
|
| 53.757267°N 9.282407°W | |
| Location | Ballintubber, County Mayo |
| Country | Ireland |
| Denomination | Catholic |
| Religious institute | Formerly Augustinians |
| History | |
| Status | Active |
| Founded | 1216 |
| Founder(s) | King Cathal Crobdearg Ua Conchobair |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Archdiocese of Tuam |
Ballintubber Abbey is a very old church building located about 2 kilometers northeast of Ballintubber in County Mayo, Ireland. It was started by King Cathal Crobdearg Ua Conchobair way back in 1216. This makes it one of the oldest churches in Ireland that has been used continuously for worship!
Contents
History of Ballintubber Abbey
Even though it was damaged and faced tough times during a period called the Reformation, people still used the abbey for worship. It even survived without a roof during the Penal Laws, when it was difficult for Catholics to practice their faith.
Over the years, the abbey has been carefully repaired and restored. Big restoration projects happened in the 1960s, just in time for its 750th birthday! More work was done in the 1990s and again in 2016, when it celebrated its 800th anniversary.
Today, the abbey has several interesting outdoor areas. These include a modern art display called the Stations of the Cross, an underground Nativity scene (Crib), and a special walking path called the Rosary Way. There is also a small museum to explore.
The abbey is also the starting point for Tochar Phádraig. This is an ancient pilgrimage route that leads to Croagh Patrick, a famous holy mountain.
Building the Abbey
Ballintubber Abbey was built in 1216 in a style called Hiberno Romanesque. This style often includes special patterns like zigzags and carved plant designs. The abbey is shaped like a Latin cross when viewed from above. It has a main hall (nave), a central area (crossing), and side sections (transepts). It also has a special vaulted ceiling in the main altar area (chancel) with two small chapels on each side.
Over its long history, the abbey has gone through many repairs. Parts of it were damaged and then rebuilt. There were three main times when big restoration projects happened. The first was in 1846, the second in 1881, and the third in 1909.
Restoration Projects
In 1265, a fire destroyed the wooden parts of the abbey's main hall. However, the stone walls of the eastern part remained standing. When it was rebuilt around 1270, new Gothic style elements were added, like pointed arches.
In 1653, the abbey suffered more damage during attacks. Many of the monastic buildings, like dormitories and cloisters, were destroyed. Only the stone vaulted roofs of the chancel and chapels were left.
The first attempt to restore the abbey happened in 1846. The plan was to put new roofs on the nave and transepts. However, this work had to stop in 1847 because of the Great Famine. Funds were needed for other things during this difficult time.
A more successful restoration project took place from 1881 to 1890. An architect named George Coppinger Ashlin oversaw the work. With help from generous supporters, the walls were made stronger. New stained-glass windows were put in, and roofs were added to the chancel, crossing, and transepts.
The third major restoration began in 1909 and continued for many years. During this time, the nave finally got a roof, and the inside of the abbey was made to look like it did in the 1200s. It now has a tiled floor, clear glass windows, and an exposed oak roof. The vaulted ceiling in the chancel has beautiful carvings of animals, birds, and plants.
More recently, in 1994, the Chapter House, a meeting space, was re-roofed. In 1997, more restoration work was done on the Chapter House and the Dorter (dormitory) area. The walls of the dormitory were raised and roofed, and a section of the cloister (a covered walkway) was given a glass roof. This helps visitors stay comfortable and protected from the weather.
Other Burials
- Tibbot ne Long Bourke, 1st Viscount Mayo
See also
- List of abbeys and priories in Ireland (County Mayo)
- Pilgrim Paths of Ireland
Images for kids
-
A view of the crossing and vault inside Ballintubber Abbey.
-
A beautiful stained glass window in the north transept.
