Tintern Abbey

About the museum

Tintern Abbey was founded around 1200 by William Marshal, Earl Marshal, on land that came to him through his marriage to the Irish heiress Isabella de Clare. It was a daughter house of Tintern Abbey in Wales, and is sometimes called Tintern de Voto.

The nave, chancel, tower, chapel and cloister survive. In the 16th century the abbey was granted to the Colclough family, who converted part of the church into living quarters and adapted it over the centuries. The Colcloughs lived here from the 16th century until the middle of the 20th century.

The abbey stands in woodland within a protected conservation area, and conservation work has included measures to protect its bat colonies. The site has an exhibition, guided tours are offered, and walking trails lead through the former estate. The restored Colclough Walled Garden lies nearby, and a combined ticket for the abbey and the garden can be bought at reception.

Highlights

• Cistercian abbey founded by William Marshal around 1200
• Church partly converted into the Colclough family home
• Exhibition on the abbey
• Woodland and river walks
• Restored Colclough Walled Garden

Permanent exhibition

• Tintern Abbey exhibition – An exhibition on the site presents the history of the Cistercian abbey and its later use as a family home.

Operated by

Office of Public Works (OPW), Heritage Ireland

Admission & discounts

Payment is by cash only. A combined ticket for the abbey and the Colclough Walled Garden can be bought at reception.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

There is an accessible toilet. Walkways are uneven and appropriate footwear is advised. Only assistance dogs are allowed. A social story PDF helps first-time visitors, families and people with developmental or learning disabilities to prepare.

Kids & families

Children under 16 must be with an adult at all times. A family ticket is available.

Getting there & parking

The abbey is 16 km south of New Ross on the R734, or 29 km from Wexford via the R733 from the Wexford to Ballyhack road.

Amenities & dining

There are toilets, a car park with coach parking, bicycle parking and a picnic area.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit