Tintern Abbey

Tintern Abbey

Features

Tintern Abbey is a well preserved 13th century monastic ruin in south-west County Wexford.

The majestic and atmospheric ruins may be an ideal filming location for scenes that require an imposing historical backdrop. The structure is large, impressive and visually pleasing. The shell of the building is well preserved and has mostly maintained its original look, although the interior is now a museum and visitor centre. The location is also on an excellent site with good features. A sprawling forest surrounds the monastery and elevates it visually. And a unique 16th century stone bridge crosses a shallow stream in sight of the abbey. The bridge and the forest give filmmakers visually interesting spots to film the main monastery from and they may even be useful as filming locations themselves.

William Marshall, the successor to Strongbow, established the site around 1200 and had it colonised by monks from Tintern Abbey in Wales. Henry VIII later suppressed the Cistercian Abbey and the lands became the property of the Colclough family until 1960. The Office of Public Works maintains the location. Of the abbey, the nave, chancel, tower, chapel, and the cloister still stand. The forest features woodland walks.

Also on the same site is Colclough Walled Garden, which gives filmmakers another period location within walking distance. A ruined 19th century church called Tintern Church can be found across the road from the location. For filmmakers looking for a more ruined abbey, Dunbrody Abbey may be more suitable.

More Info

Adjacent to Cloclough Walled Garden.

Toilets available in the visitor centre.

Parking: carpark that fits ~20 cars. A second car park in a nearby field fits an extra ~40 cars.

Nearest town: New Ross, 23km away. Or Wexford town, 30km away.

Photographer: Alan Boland, Gordon Wycherly,