Turlough Abbey, Medieval monastery in County Mayo, Ireland
Turlough Abbey is a monastic complex in County Mayo with a massive round tower standing over 20 meters tall. Beside it sits a cruciform church that contained multiple spaces for prayer and religious ceremonies.
The site was traditionally founded in the 5th century and served as a religious center for many generations. Monastic life came to an end in the 17th century when the complex was handed over to secular owners.
The church displays religious artwork from different periods, including crucifixes created by various craftspeople. You can see how the artistic style changed over the centuries as new beliefs and techniques arrived.
The site sits in open fields and is easy to navigate, with clear views of all the buildings. Wear comfortable shoes as the ground is uneven, and prepare for changeable weather that is typical for this region.
In the burial ground sits a tomb from the 18th century marking a local landowner who was known for his unusual ways. This grave stands out because it sits among the older medieval burial stones and tells a later addition to the site's story.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
