Boyle Abbey

My GPS was in a better mood - it had finally stopped telling me to take U-turns!  So I followed it's instructions on my way to the city of Sligo.  When I came to a three-way stop, I had planned on turning right, but took a hard left.  Right in front of me was the most extraordinary piece of history that I did not have on my list of things to see.  Thank you, GPS!

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Boyle Abbey is a beautifully preserved 12th century Cistercian Monastery, or at least it was until the 17th century when it was used as a military garrison. The restored gatehouse is from the 16th/17th century serves as an exhibition.  I love the ingenuity of the walkway grids set with pebbles.  This is probably not a good environment for those with mobility issues.

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The OPW (Office of Public Works) has carefully preserved this large property.  There is so much to see everywhere you look.  Over the centuries, walkways, rooms and windows have been closed and blocked up, but you can still see where they once were.

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One of the most amazing part of Boyle Abbey is the wall of clear glass which protect one side wall from buckling.  The Abbey is impressive and yes, I took too many photos.

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There is a public guest house attached to the back of the Abbey, https://www.abbeyhouse.net.

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