Assaroe Abbey
on the North West Trail
Assaroe abbey was founded by Flaherty O'Muldory, Lord of Cenel Conaill for the Cistercians in 1184. A small community of monks came from Boyle and selected the present site from the extensive lands granted by O'Muldory. This abbey soon became famous as a seat of learning. Some of the ruling families in Tir Conail became abbots and some became bishops in adjoining dioceses.
For some five hundred years this abbey continued to flourish but not without hindrance. On at least one occasion it was taken possession of by Sir Henry Dowera who garrisoned it with tow companies of mainly English soldiers. In 1606, when the Abbot Eugenius (Owen) O'Gallagher and Bernardus (Brian) O'Travers, a monk were slain by the occupying forces, the abbey was no longer held by the Cistercians and gradually fell into ruin. The grave of the last Abbott of the Abbey, Abbott Quinn can be seen in the graveyard and anyone interested in learning more about the Abbey's history should look up "Abbey Assaroe Abbey of the Morning Star" by Geraldine Carville.
For some five hundred years this abbey continued to flourish but not without hindrance. On at least one occasion it was taken possession of by Sir Henry Dowera who garrisoned it with tow companies of mainly English soldiers. In 1606, when the Abbot Eugenius (Owen) O'Gallagher and Bernardus (Brian) O'Travers, a monk were slain by the occupying forces, the abbey was no longer held by the Cistercians and gradually fell into ruin. The grave of the last Abbott of the Abbey, Abbott Quinn can be seen in the graveyard and anyone interested in learning more about the Abbey's history should look up "Abbey Assaroe Abbey of the Morning Star" by Geraldine Carville.
This project is supported by the EU INTERREG IIIA Programme for Ireland/Northern Ireland