Fore Abbey


Fore Abbey is the ruin of a Benedictine Abbey, situated to the north of Lough Lene in County Westmeath, near Fore village. The abbey was founded by Saint Feichin in 630 CE and functioned for over 900 years. By 665 CE, the abbey is believed to have housed up to 300 Benedictine monks from Normandy and 2000 students. Architectural additions and damage by fire have altered the site's appearance and layout over the centuries.
Fore is the anglicised version of the Irish "Fobhar", meaning “water-springs”. The name is derived from St. Feichin’s spring or well which is next to the old church, a short distance from the ruined monastery. The site is referenced in the Annals of Inisfallen as "Repose of Fechtnach of Fobar".

A Benedictine Priory

In the 13th century Hugh de Lacy, Lord of Meath the Norman and landlord built a Bendictine priory in the valley nearby. Many of the buildings that remain today are from the 15th century and have been restored throughout this century, making Fore Abbey the largest group of 300 Benedictine to have sojourned and remained in Ireland. This priory was dedicated to both St Feichin and St Taurin, the Évreux, Normandy abbot of the parent monastery.
The Abbey is also noted for what local populations call its seven wonders:
  1. The monastery built upon the bog.
  2. The mill without a race.
  3. The water that flows uphill.
  4. The tree that has three branches/the tree that won’t burn. Pilgrims place coins in it, giving it the name "the copper tree."
  5. The water that doesn’t boil in St Fechin's holy well.
  6. The anchorite in a cell
  7. The lintel-stone raised by St. Fechin’s prayers.
Another important aspect of Fore is the Fore Crosses one of which is in the village of Fore. There are 18 crosses; some crosses are plain whilst others still remain carved. These are spread out over 7 miles on roadways and in fields and bore witness to religious persecution during penal times.

Gallery