Ballybeg Abbey

About this place

Ballybeg Priory (Irish: Prióireacht an Bhaile Bhig), also known as Ballybeg Abbey, the Abbey of St Thomas, and St Thomas's Priory, is a 13th-century priory of the Augustinian order near the town of Buttevant, County Cork, Ireland. It is home to one of the best preserved and most substantial dovecots in Ireland. The priory was founded in 1229 and dissolved in 1541, the land and buildings passing into private hands. Those parts of the buildings that have escaped from the stone being removed for use in other buildings are mostly late medieval. Along with Bridgetown Priory near Castletownroche, Ballybeg priory is one of only two substantial Augustinian monasteries in County Cork. The abbey, dovecot, and nearby tower known both as Ballybeg Castle and as Ballybeg Tower, are collectively considered a National Monument in State Care (#301).

Visitor Information

Heritage status

Protected Heritage Site

Getting There & Parking

Ballybeg Abbey is located in County Cork, roughly 49 km (45 min drive) from Cork and 262 km (3h 50m) from Dublin. The nearest public car park is 1014 m away. Nearby highlights within a short drive include Ballybeg Castle (0.0 km away).