Though a bit far off from Meath’s major towns, Bective Abbey is a quiet yet interesting spot to explore in Meath countryside.
Far off from more populated areas, it is a much more quiet and scenic environment but driving to it is almost a must for visitors. It is a great location for those interested in Irish history and ancient culture, but can also be a place for anyone who just want to go for a walk or see something new in their local area.
It is borderline a maze with its branching paths and hidden locations scattered across the area it resides. Unfortunately several sections are locked off to the public with a lot of interesting paths impossible to access.
Bective Abbey was founded in 1147 by Murchad O’Maeil Sheachlainn, King of Meath and was Ireland’s second Cistercian Abbey, the first being Mellifont Abbey in Louth.The Cistercians had been founded to recapture the original simplicity of monastic life which was reflected in their restrained buildings.
It became an important monastic settlement with its current visible remains dating back to the 13th and 15th centuries which includes the church, chapter house and cloister. Its cloister ruins are the most well-preserved with its gothic arches on full display along the grounds.
Bective became an important monastic settlement. The remains now visible at the Abbey date mainly from the 13th to 15th centuries. They include the church, chapter house and cloister. The cloister ruins are particularly well-preserved and feature pointed and decorated gothic arches typical of Cistercian architecture.
The monastery was dissolved by King Henry VIII in 1536 before being rented out and it was soon used as a fortified house. It was later owned by the Boltons who built Bective House in the 19th century.
Much like Trim castle, its ruins were used in the 1995 movie Braveheart, but also in Captain Lightfoot (1995) and, most recently, in The Last Duel (2020).
Though smaller and more out of the way in comparison to Meath’s major attractions, it still has a unique look to it that most are unfamiliar with.
