Moyne Abbey, Franciscan monastery ruins north of Ballina, Ireland.
Moyne Abbey is a monastery ruin along the Moy River featuring stone walls, a central tower, and Gothic arches. The site includes an enclosed cloister with residential quarters for the monks.
The abbey was founded in 1462 by the Burke family and remained in use until 1590. In that year, Sir Richard Bingham's forces burned the complex during military campaigns.
The monastery served as a center of learning where monks copied and translated religious texts into the Irish language. This scholarly work shaped the spiritual life of the region for centuries.
The site is freely accessible throughout the year and is located near Ballina. A thorough visit takes about an hour to explore the full layout.
A stream runs beneath the refectory floor where monks took their meals. This hidden system reveals how medieval builders skillfully managed water in their structures.
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