Mount Melleray Abbey, just a 10 minute drive from the town of Cappoquin, County Waterford, was the first monastery founded in Ireland after the Reformation. It was established in 1832 and still operates today.
When the French government forced out all foreign monks at the Cistercian monastery of Mellery in Brittany, France, a group of Irish and English came to Ireland in search of land. Sir Richard Keane granted their wish, and in 1832, they established Mount Melleray Abbey. Today, the abbey continues to be a tranquil religious community.
The exhibition centre outlines the history of Mount Melleray in word and picture, through a series of panels. These begin with the arrival of the Cistercians in Ireland and continue through the ages to present day. Guests are asked to respect the sanctity of the place.
Tips from locals
Make sure to stop and have a cuppa in their wonderful café.
