Glenstal Abbey Walk
This walk visits the historic Glenstal Abbey in Murroe, County Limerick.
The abbey has an open gate welcoming visitors to enjoy a peaceful stroll around the lovely abbey grounds. The surrounding estate is noted for its rich natural setting, with extensive areas planted with specimen trees and colourful flowers that add interest throughout the seasons. It is also managed as a sanctuary for wildlife, providing a quiet refuge for birds and other creatures within its woodlands and gardens.
Along the edge of the Front Avenue, visitors can see part of the remains of Ireland’s ancient oak forest, a rare reminder of the country’s early woodland cover. This mix of cultivated and natural features makes the grounds an especially rewarding place to explore, combining history, tranquillity and an appreciation of Ireland’s natural heritage.
You can continue your walking in the area by heading north to visit the lovely waterfalls on the Clare Glens Forest Loop Walk or picking up the Glenstal Woods and Slieve Felim Walk.
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Glenstal Abbey is a Benedictine monastery set within the former Barrington estate, which was built in the 1830s in a Norman revival style reminiscent of Windsor Castle. The Benedictine community established itself here in 1927, and the abbey was raised to full status in 1957. Today, it remains a place of prayer, work and hospitality, while also welcoming visitors to explore parts of the estate.
The grounds also retain features from the Barrington era, including ornamental plantings, exotic conifers and designed gardens. There are terraced gardens, a walled garden and a Bible garden, each offering a different character. Streams and lakes add to the sense of tranquillity, making the estate a varied and peaceful landscape. Some areas remain private, particularly those used by the abbey school and monastic community, but visitors are free to walk the main avenues, enjoy the gardens and attend services in the church.