A break in the rain and a beautiful tree lined walkway added to the splendor of my first visit to Ballyboggan Priory in County Meath. The Priory is quite ruinous and I would advise caution as the walls lean substantially and the amount of stones on the ground are a little unnerving as one walks in the shadow of this imposing structure. This Augustinian Priory was founded in the 12^th century by Jordan Comin. The Priory was damaged heavily by fire in 1446 and to add to this the following year the prior died of plague (according to the ‘Annals of the Four Masters’). Under Henry VIII the priory was suppressed and in 1537 was given – along with 5,000 acres – to Sir William Bermingham (later know as Lord Carberry). The Church had a wooden cross that prior to its dissolution was an important pilgrimage shrine. The cross and the image of Mary were subsequently burnt in nearby Trim.

All that remains of the Priory today is the nave and chancel church and part of the south transept. However it is a truly striking structure and the graveyard that leads to it is not without its charms. Considering the amount of heritage sites in this area, Ballyboggan Priory is a good addition to any itinerary. 

GPS: 53.40995, -7.0438