Hore abbey, in the shadow of the Rock of Cashel

Standing at the walls of the Rock of Cashel, you can see this abbey in a field far below. Hore is a Cistercian Abbey, founded by the archbishop of Cashel David mcCarville in 1272. Like [], it is a subordinate house to Mellifont Abbey. This had originally been a Benedictine abbey, but the archbishop had changed habits and decided to annex the Benedictines so that his new order could collect the revenues. It wasn't the best move: Hore was always a poor abbey and its revenues never amounted to much, despite the fact that the archbishop granted them lands and other gifts from the nearby town (which the townspeople didn't appreciate!). The abbey included nearly 400 acres of land at its height, and levied taxes (two flagons of ale from each brewing) on local businesses.

 
one of the few remaining cloister arches / roof lines on the central tower

The name, Hore, might be from uibhair, 'yew tree' -- although there isn't a yew tree to be found anywhere nearby that we could see! SHeep and cows in abundance, but few trees. The site is open, and under the care of the OPW.

Hore was the last Cisterian monastery founded in IReland before the Reformation. But, by the 16th century, there were only six monks here. It was dissolved (along with all the other monasteries) in 1540. Five years later, the abbey had been converted into several residences, although the church itself was still used as the parish church. Elizabeth I granted the lands to Sir Henry Radcliffe in 1561.

the naves were transformed into living quarters, the arches filled in

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