Inch Abbey

Inch Abbey

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These extensive remains are of a Cistercian Abbey founded in 1180, by John de Courcy, who led the 1177 Anglo-Norman invasion of East Ulster. It is set in a beautiful location beside the River Quoile, with distant views towards de Courcy's Cathedral town of Downpatrick. De Courcy's wife, Affreca, founded Grey Abbey, also a Cistercian house.

There are other sites linked with John de Courcy, the most important of which are: Cathedral Hill and Mound of Down, both at Downpatrick and the castles at Carrickfergus, Dundrum and Grey Abbey.

Education

If you are planning a visit or looking for educational resources on this site, please visit this page.

Facilities

  • Guided Tours Available
  • Picnic Area
  • Parking

Access & Booking

There is open access to Inch Abbey all year round, however, please call the number below if you are planning an educational visit to the site.

Booking and queries: For information on visits to Inch Abbey, please contact NIEA on 028 9181 1491.

From the car park, a hard-surfaced path leads to the abbey ruins, which are within former parkland, now maintained as grass. The site is gently undulating and wheelchair users may find access difficult, beyond the path.

There is a narrow lane from the main road to the car park at the monument.

Some of Downpatrick and Co Down Railways' train journeys stop at Inch.

Getting Here

Inch Abbey is located off the main Belfast-Downpatrick road, about ¾ mile from Downpatrick.