Newtown Abbey, Medieval monastery and national monument in Trim, Ireland

Newtown Abbey is a monastery and national monument in Trim that preserves remains of a Gothic cathedral with pointed windows and Norman architectural features. The site comprises several medieval structures, including liturgical stonework such as recessed seats and basins used for religious ceremonies.

Simon Rochfort founded the monastery in 1206 as a cathedral and priory for Augustinian Canons following the Saint-Victor rule from Paris. This establishment became an important center of religious authority in medieval Ireland.

The monastery served as the spiritual heart of medieval Trim, drawing worshippers from across the region for religious observances. Its role shaped the religious identity of the town throughout the Middle Ages.

Newtown Abbey stands about 1.2 km east of Trim town centre, on the north bank of the Boyne. The main abbey church and the smaller parish church of Newtown Clonbun lie within the same walled site, so both can be seen on one visit. Look for the lancet windows, the Norman-style sedilia right of the altar and the double piscina.

In the smaller eastern church of Newtown Clonbun lie the effigies of Lucas Dillon (1530–1592), Attorney General for Ireland and Chief Baron of the Irish Exchequer, and his first wife Jane Bathe. A sword of state is carved between the two figures, which earned the pair the local nickname of the "jealous man and woman".