Bective Abbey

A Cistercian abbey on the banks of the Boyne, founded in 1147 as a daughter house of Mellifont and the second of its order established in the country. The substantial remains combine a fortified tower, cloister arcade and chapter house from successive building phases, giving an unusually military appearance for a monastery. After suppression it was converted into a fortified mansion. Its riverside setting has drawn filmmakers, and the well-preserved cloister walk lets visitors trace the daily circuit once made by the monks.