Glenstal Abbey - Retreat & Reflection
- Ralph Quinlan Forde BSc Hons MA
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
Glenstal Abbey was built in the 1830s for the Barrington family and was designed as a castle in 12th century style. The Castle has a great gate and a massive drum tower that resembles the one at Windsor Castle. Glenstal is now an abbey to Benedictine monks and is also a private boys boarding school whose past pupils include; Paddy Cosgrave (Web Summit founder), John M. Kelly (former TD, Minister, and Attorney General), John Magnier (horse breeder, Coolmore Stud), Patrick Martyn-Hemphill (5th Baron Hemphill).
The Barrington's moved to England in the 1920s and in 1927 sold the castle and lands to the Benedictine Order and the castle became an abbey in 1957.
Now a Roman Catholic monastery in the Benedictine tradition, living the Christian life as a community under an Abbot and the guidance of the Rule of Saint Benedict. The monastery day is centred around prayer and the monks meet for worship in the early morning, at midday, in the early evening and at the close of the day. Monks then devote significant portions of their day to private prayer and study, in addition to various works across the Abbey.
Pax, the Latin for ‘peace’, is emblazoned over the portal of the monastery and the first word of welcome to all entering
Visitors can walk the Front and Back avenues at their leisure and many of the locals take their daily constitutional walk on the grounds. Lovely fields with trees for a walk that can clear your head.
The lands have a wide variety of specimen trees and flowers and are a wildlife sanctuary.
Part of the remains of Ireland’s primitive oak forest lies along the edge of the Front avenue.
Please note that the school buildings and playing fields are not normally open to the public.
The monks under the guidance of famed Irish singer Noirin ni Rian have produced a number of Gregorian chant music albums.
A Reception area is located on the right hand side of the entrance arch. Washroom facilities are provided; regretably teas and coffees are not available.
There is a shop with a wide range of books and gifts and it is generally open daily from 10.00am until 5.00pm. There you can find local products like ours in the store.
Connecting with Glenstal Abbey
People connect with Glenstal in all sorts of ways: many come daily to participate in the liturgy, visit the monastery church or walk the beautiful grounds.
Others spend days of reflection in the guesthouse and join in one of the organised retreat or course days.
In recent years visiting day groups have become very popular. For all, it seems to be a relaxing, reflective and restoring time. They encourage you to browse the many ways to discover and participate in life at Glenstal Abbey. Check out events https://glenstal.com/abbey/visiting/
Church: You are especially welcome to join the Community at times of prayer and for Mass though you may visit the Church at any time. Information is available at the Monastery Reception (open weekdays 9.00 – 17.00) which is located on the right-hand side after the entrance arch.
For times of services in the Abbey Church https://glenstal.com/abbey/our-prayer/
The Clare Glens - 15 Mins Down the Road.
When you have finished in the monastery you should also head either during or after your stay to the Clare Glens which is only 15 minutes from the monastery.
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