Mt Melleray Cistercian Abbey

County Waterford


The beautiful Mt Melleray Cistercian Abbey is a fully functioning monastery with 28 Trappist monks, and it welcomes visitors looking for quiet contemplation. The abbey was founded in 1832 by 64 monks who were expelled from a monastery near Melleray in Brittany, France. There are tearooms (open noon to 4.30pm Tuesday to Sunday) and a heritage centre. It’s signposted 6km north of Cappoquin in the Knockmealdown foothills.

Turn right off the road to Mt Melleray for the forest walks and picnic spots at Glenshelane Park.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby County Waterford attractions

1. Cappoquin House & Gardens

2.72 MILES

This magnificent 1779 Georgian mansion with formal gardens overlooking the River Blackwater is the private residence of the Keane family, who have lived…

2. Dromana Gate

4.45 MILES

The Dromana Drive from Cappoquin to Villierstown, 9km to the south, follows the Blackwater valley through the Dromana Estate. At a bridge over the River…

3. St Carthage's Cathedral

4.48 MILES

William Thackeray commented on the prettiness of the edifice of Lismore's 17th-century cathedral in 1842 after visiting, and that was before the addition…

4. Lismore Castle Gardens

4.64 MILES

Although Lismore Castle itself is not open to the public, the 3 hectares of ornate and manicured gardens are well worth a visit. Thought to be the oldest…

5. Lismore Heritage Centre

4.71 MILES

A 30-minute audiovisual presentation at the town's heritage centre takes you from the arrival of St Carthage in AD 636 to the present day, via the…

6. Ballysaggartmore Towers

5.43 MILES

One of Ireland's most striking architectural follies sits 3.5km northwest of Lismore in woodland that was once the demesne of Arthur Keily-Ussher, a harsh…

7. Dungarvan Brewing Company

11.52 MILES

Dungarvan's craft brewery turns out the lipsmackingly hoppy Helvick gold blonde ale, the sweeter, fruitier Copper Coast red ale, and the Waterford…

8. Swiss Cottage

12.08 MILES

A 30-minute walk along a riverside path from Cahir Castle car park leads to this thatched cottage, surrounded by roses, lavender and honeysuckle. A lavish…