Norman Ruins
The
Augustine Abbey in Abbeyside was built by the McGrath family in 1290. A well-proportioned building consisting of a
chancel connected by an arch to the tower and a narrow nave.
An archway leads
into the nave. At the foot of the entrance is a slab with the Latin inscription:
“Hic iacet
Donaldus Macrah qui obit XXVII die mensisi Marcii annno do’ MCCCC Septuagesimo”.
Translation:
“Here lies Donaldus Macrah who
died on 27th March
in the year of the Lord 1470”
The south wall has two large pointed windows and one smaller rounded one.
The large window in the east wall frames a picturesque view of the sea.
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| Photo by Clog |
In December
of 1649 Cromwell’s army marched from Waterford towards Dungarvan killing and
maiming as he went. In an effort to wipe out Catholicism he destroyed religious property and churches, in his wake.The Abbey fell victim to Cromwell's ire. He attacked the Abbey and left it in ruins.
The church
was rebuilt in 1820 on the foundations of the Abbey. Rubble from the earlier
building was integrated with the new. Also salvaged was the Abbey's coat of arms. A Griffin and three scallops shells. There is also a carving of a bishops head and carved capitals thought to be from the cloister.
The ruins
of the Augustinian Abbey, in Abbeyside, dominates the landscape of Dungarvan
Harbour.
A Magnificent View.
A Beacon to those of us who call Abbeyside home.
