Durrow Abbey

The site contains ecclesiastical monuments, secular structures, gravestones, a holy well, and fragments of ancient constructions spread across 70 acres of land.

Saint Columba established this religious center in 553 AD, which later became a primary location for manuscript creation and educational activities in medieval Ireland.

The Book of Durrow, an illuminated manuscript from the 7th or 8th century, represents the earliest decorated Insular Gospel book in existence.

The Office of Public Works purchased Durrow Abbey in 2003 for €3.175 million to prevent commercial development and preserve its historical features.

Monks at Durrow Abbey recorded the only known European sighting of the supernova of 1054, documenting it in the Annals of the Four Masters.

Location: Tullamore

GPS coordinates: 53.32595,-7.51967

Latest update: May 17, 2025 10:45