Watercolour and ink illustration of Glenstal Abbey Church
Illustration of Glenstal Abbey Church

Glenstal Abbey Church

Limerick

Catholic

Religious community

Mass Times

Times not listed for Glenstal Abbey Church yet. The contact details on this page are the quickest way to check. Send them to us and we will list them.

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This church belongs to a religious community — a monastery, friary, convent or retreat centre — rather than to a parish. Many such churches are open to everyone; check with the community before travelling.

About Glenstal Abbey Church

History

The Barringtons, a family of landowners and baronets, built the castle at Glenstal in the 1830s. The family later left Ireland, and the castle was bought by a local priest, who invited monks from the Belgian Abbey of Maredsous to begin a community on the site in 1927.

The community is Roman Catholic and follows the Rule of Saint Benedict under an abbot. It belongs to the Congregation of the Annunciation, formerly known as the Belgian Congregation, which has monasteries in Europe, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

The building

The monastery is housed in a nineteenth-century castle in the Normanesque style, standing in five hundred acres of farmland, forest, lakes and streams. A monastic graveyard lies in the grounds, beside a garden cemetery laid out by the community for the interment of cremated remains, which overlooks the Chapel Lake. Places in the garden cemetery are marked with plaques of local grey granite.

Plan your visit

Confession

  • Usually Saturdays from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM in the Abbey Church; inquire at Monastery Reception

Prayer and devotions

  • Matins and LaudsWeekdays at 6:35 AM; timetable may change on solemnities and feast days
  • VespersWeekdays at 6:00 PM in Latin; timetable may change on solemnities and feast days
  • ComplineWeekdays except Monday at 8:35 PM; timetable may change on solemnities and feast days
  • LaudsSunday at 7:00 AM; timetable may change on solemnities and feast days
  • SextSunday at 12:35 PM; timetable may change on solemnities and feast days
  • VespersSunday at 6:00 PM in Latin; timetable may change on solemnities and feast days
  • ComplineSunday at 8:35 PM; timetable may change on solemnities and feast days
  • Resurrection Office/VigilsOn the evening preceding Sunday at 8:35 PM; timetable may change on solemnities and feast days

Access and facilities

Car parking for church users is through the archway at the Church; main car park is left before the castle archway.

Slopes and inclines might be challenging; check before visiting.

Sources: Our Prayer | Glenstal Abbey, Abbey Home | Glenstal Abbey, Visitor Guidelines | Glenstal Abbey

Location & contact

Address

Murroe, Limerick

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