Old Mellifont Abbey

Mellifont Abbey was the first Cistercian Abbey founded in Ireland. It became the basis upon which other abbeys in Ireland were formed.

The Abbey was founded in 1142 by Saint Malachy. It was consecrated in 1157. It was closed in 1539 after the Protestant Reformation and Henry VIII's break from the Catholic church.

What remains of the Abbey are the Lavabo (where monks washed their hands before eating), a chapter house and the large Gateway.