Aghmanister Abbey (in Ruins)

In level pasture: only fragments of N and S walls of church and sod-covered foundations of cloister can be made out. North wall (max. H c. 4m) in poor condition, arched opening in central position; only fragments of S wall survive (max. H 1.5m). Cloister abutting on S side now defined by overgrown foundations of wall (Wth c. 1.8m) enclosing square area (c. 20m N-S; c. 20m E-W). Cistercian abbey founded in 1172 by Dermot MacCormac MacCarthy; abbey moved to nearby Abbeymahon (CO136-030003-) in 1270s (Gwynn and Hadcock 1988, 125). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 1: West Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1992). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

Aghmanister Abbey is a medieval monastic site, likely founded in the 12th or 13th century, associated with a religious community, possibly Augustinian or Cistercian. Its remains reflect the spread of monasticism in rural Ireland and provide insight into monastic architecture and settlement patterns of the period.