Holy Cross Abbey is one of Ireland’s National Monuments. Anyone interested in ecclesiastical sites will have this at the top of their ‘to visit’ list. Founded in the 12th century by Donal Mor O’Brien for the Benedictine Order, but later transferred to the Cistercians, it was abandoned in the 1600s.
The Abbey has been lovingly restored to its former glory as one of Ireland’s finest Irish 15th century churches.

A relic of the True Cross has drawn pilgrims from far and wide since its foundation by Dónal Mór Ó Brien.

The Butlers of Ormond became patrons in the 15th century and a second relic, the Ormond Relic, was enshrined in the Abbey. Many of the unique architectural features date from the 15th century when many renovations were carried out.