Baltinglass Abbey

Set beside the River Slaney on the edge of Baltinglass town, Baltinglass Abbey is a beautifully atmospheric 12th-century Cistercian ruin. Founded in 1148 by Dermot MacMurrough, King of Leinster, the abbey—once known as Vallis Salutis (Valley of Salvation)—was an important monastic centre until its dissolution in the 16th century. What remains today is the long stone abbey church, notable for its Romanesque and early Gothic architecture. The nave’s impressive arches, carved capitals, and alternating pillars reflect the simplicity and craftsmanship typical of Cistercian design. Surrounded by greenery and quiet river views, the site feels peaceful and timeless. Practical Visiting Info • Location: Just outside Baltinglass town centre, County Wicklow • Access: Free entry; open year-round • Parking: Limited roadside parking nearby • Time needed: 20–30 minutes • Tips: Wear sturdy footwear, as the ground can be uneven and damp; best visited in daylight for safety and photography Baltinglass Abbey is an ideal stop for travellers interested in medieval history, architecture, and tranquil rural settings, offering an uncommercialised and authentic glimpse into Ireland’s monastic past.

Impressive & atmospheric, the ruins of Baltinglass Abbey are free to visit and open in daylight hours. There's some beautiful examples of ornate stone carving, as well as a rather impressive pyramid styled mausoleum in the graveyard. The field next door also has some friendly cows!

Quaint, looks very majestic driving in from the north! Near Brownshill Portal Tomb and Ducketts Grove. Also not far from Castleruddery Stone Circle or Broadleas Stone Circle (and Athgreany if it reopens).

Nice Abbey with views of the mountains, it is one of popular cistercian abbey dating back to 12 th cen

A beautiful old abbey with lovely grounds. It has excellent parking and the abbey can be explored inside and out, it has a nice garden to its rear and one very large tomb of interest. There a nice walks along the rive also. All in all a super location and loads to see and admire, enjoy

Free access to the remains of the Abbey, worth a look if you are passing by!

These beautiful ruins are situated in a picturesque location near the town of Baltinglass. With a nearby park and river, it becomes a popular destination on sunny days.

Baltinglass Abbey is the ruins of a medieval Cistercian monastery in County Wicklow, Ireland. It was founded in 1148 by Dermot MacMurrough, King of Leinster. The abbey was closed in the 16th century during the dissolution of the monasteries. Today, its preserved Gothic arches, columns, and remnants of the nave attract tourists and history enthusiasts.

The abbey itself is undergoing conservation works so there is no access but in front is a lovely little park onto the river Slaney. A nice little pit stop if you are traveling through with picnic benches and a lovely view