Durrow Abbey facts for kids
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| Monastery information | |
|---|---|
| Established | 580s |
| People | |
| Founder(s) | Saint Columba |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | National Monument |
| Site | |
| Location | near |
| Public access | yes |
Durrow Abbey is a very old and important historic site in Durrow, County Offaly, Ireland. It is located about 5 miles from Tullamore. This special place is a medieval monastic site. It has many old religious and non-religious structures. Some are still visible, and others are hidden underground.
Contents
What is Durrow Abbey?
The site has many interesting features. You can see a large church area. There are also five very old Christian grave slabs. A beautiful high cross from the mid-9th century stands there. You can also find a holy well. In 1180, Hugh de Lacy, Lord of Meath built a small castle mound, called a motte, for the Abbey. He was killed at the Abbey in 1186.
A Look Back in Time: Early Days
Durrow Abbey was likely started by Saint Columba in the 580s. It quickly became a very important center for learning. The famous writer Venerable Bede called it a "noble monastery in Ireland." Later, Durrow and Armagh were known as the "Universities of the West." This means they were major centers for education.
For many centuries, Durrow was a place where people went to study. However, like many monasteries, it was often attacked by Vikings. It was finally destroyed during the Norman invasion.
The Book of Durrow
One of the most famous things linked to Durrow is the illuminated manuscript called the Book of Durrow. This beautiful book is now kept at Trinity College Dublin. It was at the Abbey by the year 916. The book is considered one of the earliest fully decorated Insular Gospel books. It is believed to have been made in the 7th or 8th century.
Ancient Trees and Roads
The name Daru means "plain of the oaks." This site has some of the oldest oak trees left in Ireland. A line of oak trees at Durrow Abbey marks an ancient highway. This was an important road in old Ireland.
Buildings Over Time
The site also has Durrow Abbey House. This building was rebuilt in the 1920s after a fire. There is also a church from the late 18th or early 19th century. This church was built on the spot of older churches. It is thought that a medieval church was built there first. That medieval church might have been on the site of an even older 12th-century abbey church.
A Starry Observation
In July 1054, something amazing happened. Monks at Durrow Abbey saw a very bright star appear in the sky. This observation is written in the Annals Of The Four Masters. It is the only known European record of the supernova of 1054. This event was also recorded in Chinese history.
Durrow Abbey Today
In 2003, the Irish Government bought Durrow Abbey. They also bought the 6th-century monastic site. This was done to protect the Abbey and its history. The government wanted to keep the land safe from large building projects.
In 2007, the Durrow Abbey House was leased to the Arts for Peace Foundation. This group planned to use the house as a special place for children from conflict areas. They would come there for rest and fun. The Foundation agreed to keep the house in good repair.
Images for kids
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High Cross
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Columcille's Church Exterior
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High Cross and church interior
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Grave Slabs
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The Abbey House
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The Abbey House Side View
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The Abbey
