Greenstock Abbey The first Cistercian foundation in Ireland, at Mellifont, Co. Louth in 1142 was part of sweeping reforms which took place in the Irish Church in the 12th century. The early Cistercians, who had their origins in the monastery of Citeaux in France, were dedicated to a simple life of prayer and manual labour. By 1169, when the Anglo-Normans arrived in Ireland, there were already 15 Cistercian houses in Ireland. In 1200, William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke, set sail for Ireland on his first visit as Lord of Leinster.Threatened with shipwreck, he vowed to found an abbey wherever he could safely land. On reaching safety in Bannow Bay, he redeemed his vow bequeathing about 9000 acres of land for a Cistercian abbey. Consequently, Greenstock Abbey is sited on a gentle south-facing slope overlooking Greenwood stream. |
 |