Mellifont Abbey

About this place

Mellifont Abbey (Irish: An Mhainistir Mhór, literally 'the Big Monastery') was a Cistercian abbey located close to Drogheda in County Louth, Ireland. It was the first abbey of the order to be built in Ireland. In 1152, it hosted the Synod of Kells-Mellifont. After its dissolution in 1539, the abbey became a private manor house. This saw the signing of the Treaty of Mellifont in 1603 and served as William of Orange's headquarters in 1690 during the Battle of the Boyne. Today, the ruined abbey is a national monument of Ireland and accessible to the public. The English language name for the monastery, 'Mellifont', comes from the Latin phrase Melli-fons, meaning 'Font of Honey'.

Visitor Information

Admission

Paid

Accessibility

Accessible

Getting There & Parking

Mellifont Abbey is located in County Meath, roughly 59 km (50 min drive) from Dublin. The nearest public car park is 89 m away. Nearby highlights within a short drive include Irish Military Museum And Park (2.4 km away).