Co. Tipperary, Ireland
Hore Abbey
History
Hore Abbey is not a reference to prostitution as some jest but a nod at the undyed habits worn by the monks living there.
Once a Benedictine abbey, it was essentially stolen and given to a different sect in 1270. Archbishop David Mac Cerbaill had a dream that the Benedictines were plotting his murder and so effectively threw them out on this asses, replaced with Cistercian monks, an offshoot of Benedictine zealots that reformed to a more stringent lifestyle focused on manual labor.
Hore Abbey is located just below the Rock of Cashel in a large field. If you’re visiting Rock, don’t miss out on an opportunity for aerial photos of the abbey and surrounding properties.
The Cisterians remained there until the abbey was dissolved in 1540 and gifted to James Butler.
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West of Cashel township.
52.51860° N, 7.89810° W
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None designated.
There is a long residential drive but no designated parking. Park at the inn/restaurant nearest the main road, be a good patron and buy something there so they don’t tow your vehicle.
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Admission free.
Off the paved residential road is a guard rail with a clear “No Trespassing” sign; however, it’s been reported that the owners do not mind visitors. Follow the dirt road from the sign up to the abbey.
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Pros: It’s accessible and easy to find.
Cons: It is pretty degraded.
No signage or information posted.
**Do Rock of Cashel after Hore Abbey or you’ll be underwhelmed.
