Glenstal, in the Benedictine tradition of hospitality, has an open gate to all who wish to visit. You are especially welcome to join the monks for the different hours of prayer, though you may visit the Church at any time.
“We believe that God is present everywhere but especially let us believe this when we are performing the Divine Office.” (RB 19)
Information is available at the Monastery Reception (open weekdays 9.00 – 17.00) which is located on the right-hand side after the entrance arch. You are also welcome to visit the grounds and the gift shop.
The monastery, located at the heart of the former Barrington estate, exists in a beautiful place. Many visitors simply walk the avenues at their leisure. The adjacent lands have a wide variety of specimen trees and flowers and is a wildlife sanctuary. Part of the remains of Ireland’s primitive oak forest lies along the edge of the Front Avenue.
In welcoming you, we ask you to be mindful that the space available to you is the home of a monastic community, boarding school and a working farm. Many areas are thus designated as ‘private.’ The school buildings, playing fields and cloister areas are not open to the public, although viewing can be arranged for visiting groups by appointment. Other areas are without access because of health and safety. Car parking and walking is your own risk.
For further information email events@glenstal.com or call 061 621005, or check our Visitor Guidelines here.
Glenstal Abbey is home to a community of Benedictine monks in County Limerick, Ireland, and is a place of prayer, work, education and hospitality. The monastery sits alongside a popular guesthouse and a boarding school for boys, housed within a 19th century Normanesque castle amidst five hundred magnificent acres of farmland, forest, lakes and streams. more
