Kildermot Abbey

Kildermot Abbey is a former Premonstratensian Priory and National Monument located in County Mayo, Ireland.^[1]

Kildermot Abbey

Cill Diarmada
Location within Ireland
Monastery information
Other names	Kildermot Church, Kildermott Abbey
Order	Premonstratensians (Norbertines)
Established	13th century
Diocese	Achonry
Architecture
Status	ruined
Heritage designation	Designations National monument of Ireland Official name Kildermot Church Reference no. 402
Style	Norman
Site
Location	Kildermot, Attymass, County Mayo
Coordinates	54.058363°N 9.090197°W / 54.058363; -9.090197
Visible remains	church
Public access	yes

Location

Kildermot Abbey is located on the west bank of Ballymore Lough, 1 km northwest of Attymass.^[2][3]

History

Kildermot Abbey was founded Premonstratensian Canons (Norbertines), who were already established in the area at this time.^{[citation needed]}

It is possible the Abbey and its townland are now known as Kildermot due to patronage by the Mac Diarmada; no connection to any St Dermot can be claimed.^{[citation needed]}

The Abbey was partially destroyed after the Penal Laws of 1697.^{[citation needed]}

Two holy water fonts from the Abbey were recovered from the lake by a Mr. Thomas Gallagher. One has been returned to the Abbey, while the other is in the National Museum of Ireland.^{[citation needed]}

Kildermot Abbey became a National Monument in 1939.^{[citation needed]}

Dawn Mass is celebrated annually at the ruins on Easter Sunday.^[4]

Building

The church's west gable is pulled down, but the foundation is still traceable. Its side walls and east gable remain.

In this gable is a lancet window, widened inside and arched above, fashioned of rudely cut stones. The whole church measures 5.5 m × 3.5 m (18 ft × 11 ft).^[5]