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Monasterevin

Monasterevin is an historic town on the scenic River Barrow and the Grand Canal with 2,300 inhabitants.

It is named after the 6th century St. Evin , who established a monastery there. This is a town of many bridges, the oldest being the Ballagh or Pass Bridge .

Places of interest include

• Moore Abbey , site of 12th century Cistercian Abbey and once home of Count John McCormack, the famous tenor
• Monasterevin House , once frequented by Gerard Manley Hopkins

There is a great atmosphere in Monasterevin every year when the town plays host to The Gerard Manley Hopkins Society's Annual International Summer School , which is held during June and July.

An anglers paradise, the local stretches of both river and canal are known for excellent game and coarse fishing.

Local History

Monasterevin, with it's unusually high number of bridges, its canals and warehouses, historical reminders of an era when this quiet town was the hub of a thriving economy dominated by the Cassidys, is often called the " Venice of Ireland". Monasterevin takes its name from St. Evin who founded a monastery here in the 6 th century. His famous Bell is, according to legend, in the Bell Hole in the Black River - near the Yew Tree Cemetery. His main monastic settlement flourished a mile downstream at Ros Glas.

The present day Moore Abbey is thought to have been the site of the Cistercian Abbey founded in 1189. The Cistercians called it the "Valley of the Roses". As with all Cistercian Abbeys of the time it had an enormous influence on the economy and life of the town. They provided alms, food and health services. After the Dissolution the property eventually passed into the hands of the Moores - Earls of Drogheda. They built not only Monasterevin but much of Dublin.

In 1767 the sixth earl pulled down the old Ros Glas Abbey Church and used the stones in the building of the church prior to the present St. John's. The gothic-styled Moore Abbey we know today was started in the early 17 th century. In 1924, John McCormack, the world famous operatic tenor leased the house from Lord Drogheda. In 1938 the Sisters of Charity of Jesus bought Moore Abbey where they now have a training school for nurses of the mentally disabled. Other items of historical interest include Monasterevin House, the 1826 drawbridge, the Aqueduct, Bell Harbour on the waterways near the town and the former Cassidy Distillery building.

Things To Do

Saoirse ar an Uisce (Freedom on the Water)
Launched in 1998, this 59 foot inland waterways barge was specially designed and built to cater for people with intellectual disabilities.

It is wheelchair-friendly throughout the entire boat, boasting a large bathroom / shower, a fully equipped galley kitchen, central heating, double glazed windows, and sleeps a maximum of 8 people

Angling
This historic town on the scenic River Barrow and the Grand Canal is an anglers paradise. As with all fishing in Ireland no permit is required to fish on the Canal but a permit is required for Rivers. For salmon and sea trout a state licence is also required. Permits can be purchased in most local shops and all tackle shops. Monasterevin has an award winning riverside park which was officially opened by Mary Robinson, the then President of Ireland.

Monasterevin Canal Festival
Held on the August Bank Holiday weekend, the Monasterevin Canal Festival attracts huge crowds from all over. There is plenty of entertainment provided for children, families, young and old alike. There are painting competitions, exhibitions of local arts and crafts, pub superstars, teddy bear picnics, yard of ale drinking competitions, a Mayor and Mayoress election, plenty of sport and leisure competitions on the canal where all are encouraged to participate and lots more.

Sporting Activities
There is a host of sporting activities available in Monasterevin, most of which are open to all;

Badminton : In the CYMS Hall. Contact Margaret Dunne (045) 525068

Fishing : The Monasterevin & District Anglers Association (045) 525328

Golf : St. Elvin's Golf Society, Contact Fergus Dunphy (045) 525984

Gymnastics : Monasterevin Gymnasium Contact Christy Ennis (045) 522183

Shooting : Monasterevin Gun Club Contact Ger Melia (045) 525924