Grey Abbey by leggzy

Grey Abbey

Greyabbey - Co. Down, Northern Ireland

One from my trip to Ireland last year - an amazing place to visit! The graves that you can see in the foreground were extremely OLD.

Grey Abbey is a ruined Cistercian priory in the village of Greyabbey, County Down, Northern Ireland. It was founded in 1193 but had declined by the late Middle Ages and was dissolved in 1541. It was burnt out by Brian O'Neill in 1572 and was then granted to Sir Hugh Montgomery who re-roofed the abbey in 1626 and refurbished it for use as a parish church. It was used until 1778.

The remains consist of a church with cloister and surrounding buildings to the south. Entry is through an elaborate west door, into an aisleless nave, transepts with two chapels in each and a short chancel with tall lancet windows. The buildings around the cloister include an aisled chapter house and a refectory with reader's pulpit, although the west range and cloister walks have disappeared. Three buttresses on the south wall of the nave are part of a conservation program carried out early in the 20th century. In the north wall of the choir is an effigy tomb which may be that of Affreca, while an armoured knight figure in the north transept may represent John de Courcy. There are also monuments dedicated to the Montgomery family from the 17th and 18th centuries.
This is a beauty. And what a great sky - especially for Ireland ;-)
March 15th, 2017  
Great shot and really interesting history too.
March 15th, 2017  
Even decayed it still looks magnificent.
March 15th, 2017  
beautiful place and nice POV, fav
March 15th, 2017  
Beautiful capture and excellent history. Wouldn't mind a visit. Maybe one day I will 😊
March 15th, 2017  
Lovely composition
March 15th, 2017  
A beautiful, majestic building. Interesting to be able to see right through the windows!
March 15th, 2017  
Great history - enjoyed that. I am enjoying your shots of churches, lovely thing to photograph.
March 16th, 2017  
Ireland is a special place for history.
March 16th, 2017  
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