Old Mellifont Abbey in County Louth was the first Cistercian monastery in Ireland, founded in 1142 by St Malachy of Armagh. The site is located just a 10 minute drive from Drogheda and features an unusual octagonal lavabo in which the monks washed their hands, dating from circa 1200.
.Old Mellifont Abbey in County Louth was the first Cistercian monastery in Ireland, founded in 1142 by St Malachy of Armagh. The site is located just a 10 minute drive from Drogheda and features an unusual octagonal lavabo(shown) in which the monks washed their hands, dating from circa 1200. On the right-hand side you can just make out the ancient Abbey gateway,the entrance road formerly led through the archway beneath the tower. I picked up some light pollution from Drogheda,during my long exposure,but I think it adds a certain mystic to the photo.