Fore Priory of Sts Taurin and Fechin

Fore Priory is a Benedictine monastery and national monument in a valley in County Westmeath, featuring preserved stone walls of towers and an arcaded cloister from medieval times. The ruins display the layout and structure of the original religious community, with key buildings scattered across the site.

Hugh de Lacy founded the priory in 1180 as a dependent house of the Abbey of Évreux in France, dedicating it to Saints Féichín and Taurin. Over the centuries it operated as a major religious center that influenced the spiritual life of the surrounding region.

This monastery served as a center for religious community life during the Middle Ages, shaping how people lived and worshipped in the valley. Today visitors can sense the spiritual role it held for surrounding settlements and travelers who sought refuge or guidance here.

The site is best explored on foot by following walking trails that connect the various structures and religious monuments scattered across the landscape. Sturdy footwear and weatherproof clothing are recommended since the trails cross uneven ground and open countryside.

The site is known as the location of the Seven Wonders of Fore, including a mill without a visible water source and a tree that resists fire. These natural oddities have inspired local legends and stories that travelers have told for generations.

Location: County Westmeath

Inception: 1180s

Elevation above the sea: 90 m

GPS coordinates: 53.68388,-7.22716

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:41