Duiske Abbey

Duiske Abbey was founded in the year 1204 and built by Cistercian monks from Wiltshire in England. From that day on, the town of Graiguenamanagh has grown up in the shadow of Brandon Hill and has seen the best of times and the worst of times. The town name comes from the Irish words 'Graig-na-managh' meaning the grange or church of the monks.


A visit to the Abbey is a must for all who come to Graiguenamanagh. Beautifully restored to operate as the local parish church many of the original features remain. Of particular interest are the remains of the original 13th Century tiled floor, still visible four feet below the present day floor. In the grounds of the Abbey stand the Athylkawn and Ballyogan High Crosses which date back to the 8th and 9th century respectively. They were moved to Graiguenamanagh from outlying parishes in the 1800's.


Duiske Abbey, which will celebrate its 800th anniversary in 2004, is at the heart of Graigue in more than just the physical sense. Plans are afoot within the community to celebrate the octo-centenary on the Abbey’s foundation in an appropriate fashion. The nearby Abbey Visitor Centre hosts an interesting local museum and acts as a sales point for good quality arts and crafts.