Hore Abbey, Cistercian monastery ruins near Rock of Cashel, Ireland
Hore Abbey is a Cistercian monastery in County Tipperary featuring preserved stone walls, arched windows, and a rectangular tower rising from its central crossing. The ruins spread across the grounds and show the original layout of the religious complex.
The monastery was founded in 1270 when Archbishop David Mac Cerbaill removed the Benedictine monks and transferred the property to the Cistercian order. This shift marked an important change in the religious use of the site.
The monastery features an unusual north-facing cloister, which differs from the typical design of Cistercian abbeys across medieval Ireland. This distinctive layout remains visible today and shapes how visitors experience the ruins.
The ruins can be explored free of charge and are accessible during daylight hours with parking available nearby. Visitors should watch for uneven ground and wear weather-appropriate clothing.
Herds of horses graze freely among the stone ruins and naturally maintain the grassy areas. These animals have been part of the landscape for decades and shape the character of the site.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.