Inch Abbey
Situated on the north bank of the River Quoile, Inch Abbey was originally located on site that was an island in the Quoile Marshes. Before the Abbey was built there, there was a pre-Norman church called Inis Cumhscraigh on the site, which was plundered by Vikings in 1002. Its large earthworks, which can clearly been seen from the air, still survive in parts.
What you see today are the remains of the Cistercian abbey that was built by John de Courcy in 1180 in atonement for his destruction of Erenagah Abbey, which he destroyed in 1177 because he believed that it was fortified against him.The buildings are mainly from the 12th and 13th centuries, while the church is probably older than the church at Grey Abbey, which was built around 1193.
Inch Abbey
Downpatrick
County Down
Tel: 028 9181 1491
There is open access to Inch Abbey all year round.
Booking and queries:For information on educational visits to Inch Abbey, please contact NIEA on (028) 9181 1491.
From the car park, a hard-surfaced path leads to the abbey ruins, which are within former parkland, now maintained as grass.
There is a narrow lane from the main road to the car park at the monument.
The site is gently undulating and wheelchair users may find access difficult beyond the path.
Please call the number above for further information.
- Guided tours available
- Picnic area
- Parking
These extensive remains are of a Cistercian Abbey founded in 1180, by John de Courcy, who led the 1177 Anglo-Norman invasion of East Ulster. It is set in a beautiful location beside the River Quoile, with distant views towards de Courcy’s Cathedral town of Downpatrick. De Courcy’s wife, Affreca, founded Grey Abbey, also a Cistercian house. There are other sites linked with John de Courcy, the most important of which are: Cathedral Hill and Mound of Down, both at Downpatrick and the castles at Carrickfergus and Dundrum.
This site is an excellent example of Norman architecture and Medieval Monastery life. It would make an ideal site investigation for those studying the Normans at Key Stage 3 (investigate and evaluate the spiritual beliefs and legacy of civilisations) in conjunction with other sites in the area such as Dundrum Castle.
