Ballintubber Abbey

Ballintubber Abbey is a Catholic church in the village of Ballintubber ( Irish Baile Tobair Phadraig ), which lies about 15 km south of Castlebar, County Mayo. She is a former branch of the Augustinian Canons, and the only surviving church in Ireland, which was given by an Irish king in order.

Ballintubber Abbey was completed in 1216 on King Cathal O'Conor command after eight years of construction. According to legend, before the king's command was executed incorrectly and it was an abbey in Ballintober ( Irish Baile Tobair Bhrighde ) in County Roscommon been built. After the misunderstanding was noticed, the monarch is said to have arranged the re- construction in even more splendid execution at the right place.

Despite many threats - including trying the Protestant Oliver Cromwell's army in 1650 to burn down the church - Ballintubber Abbey is even after 780 years one of the attractions in County Mayo. In the charming backdrop of the church today many weddings of celebrities (among Pierce Brosnan, 2001) will take place.

To the abbey buildings around there is a embedded in the ground stations of the cross.

On Reek Sunday, the last Sunday in July, pilgrims meet at 22 miles from Ballintubber to Croagh Patrick ( Irish Cruach Phádraig ) to wander.

Restored remains of the cloister

Nave, looking west

Looking to the choir

Choir