Inishmaine Abbey facts for kids
| Mainistir Inis Meáin | |
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 Location in Ireland
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| Monastery information | |
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| Other names | Inis-medhon, Inis-meadhoin, Inis-meadhon, Inchmean |
| Order | Augustinians |
| Established | 7th century |
| Disestablished | c. 1587 |
| Mother house | Kilcreevanty Abbey |
| Diocese | Tuam |
| People | |
| Founder(s) | Corbmac |
| Architecture | |
| Status | ruined |
| Style | Norman |
| Site | |
| Location | Inishmaine, Ballinrobe, County Mayo |
| Coordinates | 53°35′53″N 9°18′05″W / 53.598092°N 9.301341°W |
| Visible remains | church, gatehouse |
| Public access | yes |
| Official name | Inishmaine Abbey |
| Reference no. | 302 |
Inishmaine Abbey was once an important Augustinian monastery. A monastery is a place where monks or nuns live and worship. This abbey is now a historic ruin and a National Monument in County Mayo, Ireland.
Contents
Where is Inishmaine Abbey?
Inishmaine Abbey is found on the eastern side of Lough Mask. This is a large lake southwest of a town called Ballinrobe. Long ago, the abbey was on an island. But people built canals, which made the water level drop. Now, it sits on a piece of land called a peninsula, which is almost surrounded by water.
A Look at Its History
Inishmaine was a very old religious site. It was first started in the 7th century by a person known as St Corbmac.
The Abbey's New Start
The abbey was started again after the year 1223. This time, Augustinian nuns came to live there. These nuns were part of a group called the Arroasian order. They might have come from a place called Annaghdown Nunnery. Inishmaine Abbey was also connected to another abbey, Kilcreevanty Abbey.
When the Abbey Closed
Inishmaine Abbey stopped being used as a monastery around the year 1587. This was part of a time when many monasteries were closed down. Later, in the 1600s, during a time of trouble, the abbey was sadly burned down.
What Remains of the Abbey?
Today, you can still see parts of the old abbey. The main church building is from the 13th century. There is also a gatehouse, which was built in the 15th century.
Inside the Church
Some of the stone blocks in the main part of the church, called the nave, are very old. They might have come from an even earlier building. The north doorway has a flat stone across the top, which is called a lintel.
Special Carvings
You can see beautiful carved stones on the arches inside the church. These carved stones are called capitals. The two windows on the east side of the church are also decorated. They have carvings of wild and imaginary animals.
