Ballintubber Abbey
Two minutes drive from Cranmore House Bed and Breakfast
Founded in 1216 by Cathal Crovderg O'Connor, Ballintubber Abbey is an important sacred Irish historical site which will celeberate its 800 year anniversary in 2016.
Ballintubber Abbey stands one mile off the main Castlebar - Galway road, seven miles from Castlebar, nine miles from Ballinrobe and thirty nine miles from Galway City.
Founded in 1216 by Cathal Crovderg O'Connor, Ballintubber Abbey is an important sacred Irish historical site which will celeberate its 800 year anniversary in 2016.
Ballintubber Abbey stands one mile off the main Castlebar - Galway road, seven miles from Castlebar, nine miles from Ballinrobe and thirty nine miles from Galway City.
Inside Ballintubber Abbey
Though there are many references in the ancient annals to 1216 as the year of its foundation, the circumstances are shrouded in legend. Cathal was the natural son of King Turloch. Before he ascended the throne of his father he was in flight from the vengeance of Turloch's queen.
Local folklore tells us that during this period he had been working in Ballintubber for a man named Sheridan, who treated him with the greatest kindness. Leaving Ballintubber, Cathal vowed that he would never forget the kindness shown him there.
Years afterwards, when Cathal ascended the throne of his father, he paid a visit to his old friend. The king asked him if there were any favours he could do in return for the kindness shown him in the days of exile. Sheridan told him that he was now old and that he wanted for little in this world, but if the king would restore their old church which was collapsing, he would be eternally grateful. Cathal promised that instead of repairing the old church he would build a new one.
Local folklore tells us that during this period he had been working in Ballintubber for a man named Sheridan, who treated him with the greatest kindness. Leaving Ballintubber, Cathal vowed that he would never forget the kindness shown him there.
Years afterwards, when Cathal ascended the throne of his father, he paid a visit to his old friend. The king asked him if there were any favours he could do in return for the kindness shown him in the days of exile. Sheridan told him that he was now old and that he wanted for little in this world, but if the king would restore their old church which was collapsing, he would be eternally grateful. Cathal promised that instead of repairing the old church he would build a new one.
Church Island Ballintubber
Adult Retreat:
The days of the Retreat Experience can be either taken consecutively or at convenient intervals in any of these four locations
Retreat Experience for Young People:
Specially structured to meet the Spiritual and Religious Needs of Young People at the different stages of their search.
The days of the Retreat Experience can be either taken consecutively or at convenient intervals in any of these four locations
- Ballintubber Abbey & Grounds, Church Island, Tóchar Phádraig and The Celtic Furrow
Retreat Experience for Young People:
Specially structured to meet the Spiritual and Religious Needs of Young People at the different stages of their search.
Westport House
15 minutes drive from Cranmore House
18th Century Westport House is privately owned and operated by Jeremy Browne ( The 11th Marquess of Sligo) and his family, who are direct descendants of Grace O’ Malley, the famous 16th Century Pirate Queen of Connaught, it provides a full days fun.
Westport House and Pirate Adventure Park has welcomed over 4 million visitors with its range of heritage, family-fun, camping and adventure activity offerings. From small beginnings of 2,700 visitors in 1960, it has become one of Ireland’s best loved attractions and was recently voted one of the Best Family Visitor Attractions in Ireland by Primary Times magazine.
18th Century Westport House is privately owned and operated by Jeremy Browne ( The 11th Marquess of Sligo) and his family, who are direct descendants of Grace O’ Malley, the famous 16th Century Pirate Queen of Connaught, it provides a full days fun.
Westport House and Pirate Adventure Park has welcomed over 4 million visitors with its range of heritage, family-fun, camping and adventure activity offerings. From small beginnings of 2,700 visitors in 1960, it has become one of Ireland’s best loved attractions and was recently voted one of the Best Family Visitor Attractions in Ireland by Primary Times magazine.