Holycross Abbey, Holycross

History

Holycross Abbey is a Cistercian monastery founded in 1182 by Dónal Mór Ó Briain, King of Thomond. A relic of the True Cross held there drew pilgrims from the abbey's foundation. Around 1400 the Butlers of Ormond were patrons and many renovations were carried out. A second relic, the Ormond Relic, was enshrined in the abbey.

The abbey was long in ruins. A special act of the Irish Parliament in 1969 initiated an extensive restoration which ran from 1970 to 1975. Archaeological excavations began in 1970, with remains dating back to the 1500s exhumed and re-interred; building work commenced in 1971, largely funded by local support and carried out by regional craftsmen. The Ormond Relic of the True Cross was returned to the abbey by the Ursuline Nuns of Cork. The restored abbey was officially opened on 5 October 1975 at a ceremony attended by national and international dignitaries.

Further renovations between 1980 and 1983 provided facilities for pilgrims and a new priest's residence, and by 1985 a resident priest had resumed regular services.

The building

The abbey stands on the banks of the River Suir. Many of its architectural features date from a rebuilding in the fifteenth century. The restoration of the 1970s aimed to remain true to the original structure and used locally sourced materials including Irish oak and slate. A new altar, ambo and chair were added to the chancel.