Moore Abbey
Overview
St Evin founded a monastery here in the 5th century (Monasterevin) which fell into decay in the 9th century and was refounded as a Cistercian monastery in the 12th century. Later the abbey and manor was granted to the son-in-law of the Lord Chancellor of Ireland whose name was Edward Moore, hence Mooreabbey.The famous Irish tenor John Mc Cormac leased the building for 13 years and his voice could be heard for miles around, a fine view of the building can be had from the wood. The wood has a beautiful display of bluebells in early summer.
Things to do
Walk: The wood has 3 looped walks which can cater for both the casual stroller or the nature walker, all these trails are waymarked. The Bluebell Way (2.5kms, 40mins, easy) is a nice walk through the forest up through the Cypress lined avenue, a great walk in the spring when the bluebells are out in bloom; The Count John McCormack Way (3.5kms, 1hr, easy) takes you all the way around the forest and gives you views of Mooreabbey House where the count once lived; The Gerard Manly Hopkins Walk (2km, 30mins, moderate) this walk is named after an English poet who considered Monasterevin and surroundings his rural haven.
Visitors Facilities on site
Car Parking – 15 cars.