Ballintubber Abbey: Famous Irish Abbey, Mayo

Ballintubber Abbey is an abbey two kilometres northeast of the village of Ballintubber, County Mayo in Ireland that was founded by King Cathal Crobdearg Ua Conchobair in 1216.

King Cathal Crovdearg O’Conor who founded the Ballintubber Abbey was of the royal race of the O’Conners, King of Connacht and notable patrons of the arts. According to the local folklore, Cathal was working in Ballintubber for a man named Sheridan during his time, who – also according to legends – was treating him with great kindness and respect. For that much kindness Cathal received from that man, he wanted to pay him back and thus decided to build a new church instead of repairing the old one – which was the only wish and request that old man asked for later when Cathal visited him after taking his father’s place, which is how Ballintubber Abbey came to life.