Ballintubber Abbey, Ireland: Where Mass Has Been Celebrated Continuously For Over 800 Years
About Ballintubber Abbey:
This abbey, in the west of Ireland, dates from the time of the Fifth Crusade in the 13th Century. Ballintubber Abbey is located on the shores of lovely Lough Carra at the end of a twisting road, and is the only church in the world in which Mass has been celebrated for almost eight centuries. It was founded by Cathal O’Connor, King of Connacht, for the Canons Regular of St. Augustine, and was already 300 years old at the time of the Reformation.
The name Ballintubber comes from the Irish “Baile Tobair Phadraig”, or the Town of the Well of Patrick. Twenty miles away to the west is Croagh Patrick where Saint Patrick fasted for 40 days and nights.
A visit here is inspirational when you realize that it held Mass even during times of persecution and has survived. Although much of it was burned by forces under Cromwell, the stone walls remained and the Mass continued to be said here.
Many couples schedule their weddings here due to its wonderful atmosphere, and then head off to nearby Ashford Castle hotel.
Getting there:
Ballintubber Abbey is an easy drive from Galway City, taking about one hour. Many Catholic tours and pilgrim groups include a stop here as part of their tours. There is no street number, but it is quite easy to find.
Address: Ballintubber, Claremorris, Co. Mayo, Ireland.
GPS coordinates: 53° 45′ 21.8016” N, 9° 17′ 3.9588” W
Tel: +353 949030934 Fax:+353 949030018
email: info@ballintubberabbey.ie
Click here for the official website of Ballintubber Abbey
