Turlough Abbey, Medieval monastery in County Mayo, Ireland

Turlough Abbey is a former monastery and National Monument about 600 m northeast of Turlough village in County Mayo. Its low, wide round tower stands 23 m tall, with a round-headed doorway 4 m above ground and four square-headed windows. Beside it is an 18th-century cruciform church with three round-headed windows in the chancel.

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.

Three crucifixion plaques are built into the walls of the 18th-century church, one of them dated 1625 and described as an example of Counter-Reformation iconography. The church also has three round-headed windows in the chancel. The site is known in Irish as Mainistir Thurlaigh, and the nearby village takes its name from Turlach.

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.

The tomb of George Robert FitzGerald, dated 1786, stands in the church, not among medieval grave slabs. The Fitzgeralds acquired the site in 1653 and were presumably responsible for the 18th-century cruciform church with three round-headed windows in the chancel.