Mount Melleray Abbey, Trappist monastery in County Waterford, Ireland
Mount Melleray Abbey sits on the slopes of the Knockmealdown Mountains as a working monastic community with an exhibition center. The center displays religious objects and historical documents that tell the story of the monastery over time.
The monastery was founded in 1832 by Irish and English monks who came from France after foreign religious orders were expelled from a monastery in Brittany. This foundation marked the beginning of a new community far from their original home.
The monastery keeps five Ogham stones on its grounds, which show an early medieval Irish writing system. Visitors walking through the property can see these ancient inscriptions and learn how people recorded their thoughts in that era.
Visitors can explore the exhibition center and walk the monastery grounds, which takes about one to two hours. There is also a cafe on site for refreshments and breaks while visiting.
The monastery sheltered and fed many famine refugees in 1849, a fact documented by writer Thomas Carlyle during his visit. This act shows how the community cared for people in great need during a time of crisis.
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