Mellifont Abbey facts for kids
| An Mhainistir Mhór | |
Lavabo of Mellifont Abbey
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 Location in Ireland
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| Monastery information | |
|---|---|
| Order | Cistercians |
| Established | 1142 |
| Disestablished | 1539 |
| Reestablished | 1938 (different location) |
| Diocese | Armagh |
| People | |
| Founder(s) | Saint Malachy, Archbishop of Armagh |
| Architecture | |
| Status | Active |
| Style | Cistercian |
| Site | |
| Location | Collon, County Louth, Ireland |
| Coordinates | 53°44′32″N 6°27′59″W / 53.742317°N 6.466481°W |
| Public access | Yes |
| Reference no. | 93 |
Mellifont Abbey (which means 'the Big Monastery' in Irish) was a famous Cistercian abbey. It was located near Drogheda in County Louth, Ireland. This abbey was the very first one of its kind built in Ireland.
In 1152, an important meeting called the Synod of Kells-Mellifont happened here. After the abbey was closed down in 1539, it became a private house. A peace agreement, the Treaty of Mellifont, was signed there in 1603. Later, in 1690, William of Orange used it as his base during the Battle of the Boyne.
Today, Mellifont Abbey is a beautiful ruin. It is a national monument of Ireland and people can visit it. The name 'Mellifont' comes from Latin words meaning 'Font of Honey'.
Contents
Where is Mellifont Abbey Located?
Mellifont Abbey is found by the River Mattock. It is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) north-west of Drogheda.
The Abbey's History
How Mellifont Abbey Started
The abbey was built in 1142. It was started by Saint Malachy, who was the Archbishop of Armagh. By 1170, Mellifont was a very busy place. It had one hundred monks and three hundred lay brothers.
Mellifont Abbey became a guide for other Cistercian abbeys in Ireland. Its building style came from similar abbeys in France. It was the most important abbey in Ireland until it was closed. Many other Cistercian houses in Ireland were known as "the daughters of Mellifont." After about 1275, they were no longer controlled by England.
The Important Synod of 1152
A very important meeting, called a synod, took place at Mellifont in 1152. This event is written about in the Annals of the Four Masters. Bishops, kings, and a special church leader called a Papal Legate attended. This leader was Giovanni Cardinal Paparoni.
The church was officially opened in 1157. During this event, the Church showed its power. It banished the King of Meath, Donnchadh Ua Maeleachlainn.
Many kings gave gifts to help build the abbey. Muirchertach Ua Lochlainn, the king of Ulster, gave cattle and gold. He also gave a local townland. Donnchad Ua Cearbhall, the king of Oriel, gave the land and more gold. Derbforgaill, the wife of Tigernan Ua Ruairc, gave gold, a special cup called a chalice, and altar cloths.
What Happened After the Abbey Closed?
The abbey was officially closed down in 1539. After this, it was turned into a strong, fortified house. Edward Moore built this house in 1556. He used materials taken from the old abbey buildings.
In 1603, a peace agreement was signed at Mellifont. This was the Treaty of Mellifont. It was made between the English Crown and Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone. Mellifont was owned by The 1st Viscount Moore at that time. He was a friend of Lord Tyrone and helped him sign the treaty. The Moore family owned Mellifont until 1727. The Abbey was attacked and robbed during the Irish Rebellion of 1641.
William of Orange used Mellifont Abbey House as his main base. This was during the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.
What Remains of the Abbey Today?
Mellifont Abbey is now mostly a ruin. Not much of the original abbey is left. You can still see a 13th-century lavabo. This was a place where the monks washed their hands before eating. There are also some Romanesque arches. A 14th-century chapter house also remains.
New Mellifont Abbey
A new Mellifont Abbey is now home to Cistercian monks. It is located in Collon, a small village in County Louth. This new abbey was started again in 1938. Monks from Mount Melleray Abbey bought a large house called Oriel Temple. This land used to belong to the old Mellifont Abbey. In 1945, it officially became an Abbey.
The monks at New Mellifont Abbey have a farm. They also run a garden called Mellifont Abbey Gardens. There is a nursery and garden center that is open to the public. Like other monasteries, the abbey offers a guest house for visitors.
In 1998, a special mass was held at the old Mellifont Abbey. It celebrated 900 years since the Cistercian order began in Ireland. It also marked 850 years since the death of St. Malachy. This event also celebrated 60 years since the new community was started.
In 2019, New Mellifont hosted monks and nuns from Cistercian communities. They came from Ireland, Scotland, and England. They celebrated 900 years since the first Cistercian rule of charity was written.
Images for kids
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Lavabo of Mellifont Abbey
See also
In Spanish: Abadía de Mellifont para niños
- List of abbeys and priories in Ireland (County Louth)
- List of Cistercian Abbeys in Ireland
