Das Ballyshannon Folk and Traditional Music Festival, eines der bekanntesten Folk-Festivals in Irland findet jährlich Ende Juli/Anfang August in dieser gemütlichen Kleinstadt am Südrand Donegals statt.

Hier bei Ballyshannon ist der schmale Durchgang der Republik Irland, der die Countys Sligo und Donegal miteinander verbindet. Die Grenze Nordirlands liegt hier nur wenige Kilometer von der Westküste entfernt.

Doch während das Festival nur einmal im Jahr für 3 Tage währt, ist eine Sehenswürdigkeit des Städtchens das ganze Jahr geöffnet
(im Winter allerdings nur sonntags von 1.30 p.m. bis 6.00 p.m.):

Abbey Assaroe was founded by Cistercian Monks from Boyle Abbey in the late l2th Century. The Cistercian Order, founded in Burgundy in 1098 as a reaction against the laxity of the Benedictines and Cluniacs, favoured a return to austerity and a life of prayer, contemplation and manual labour.

The present day Abbey graveyard occupies the Cloister Garth where the remaining wall of the Abbey still stands.

The Cistercians excelled in water engineering and canalised the river to turn water wheels for mechanical power.

In 1989 the Abbey Mill Restoration Trust acquired the derelict Mills and surrounding area. The Mills were restored and converted for use as a Coffee Shop and Auditorium.

At the Auditorium a video film on Heritage of Monastery and Mill can be viewed on request. One water wheel now powers a generator which supplies light and heat.

The overall concept of the restoration project is to provide a useful facility and amenity area, and to restore part of Ireland's l2th century heritage in a most attractive and tranquil setting.

The site occupies an unusual and interesting position overlooking the Erne Estuary and the Atlantic Ocean.

(Zitate aus dem Hausprospekt)

Es lohnt sich, hier einzukehren, die Ruhe zu genießen, dem direkt hinter dem Haus vorbeirauschenden Wasser zu lauschen und den selbstgebackenen Kuchen zu versuchen.

HOW TO GET THERE

Take the Rossnowlagh road out of Ballyshannon, 500 metres further on cross the narrow bridge over the Abbey River. Take the next turning to the left and follow the signs at the Abbey Graveyard.

(Wegbeschreibung aus dem Hausprospekt)

OpENING ARRANGEMENTS 

Open Easter Week, May, June, July & August
daily 10.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m
Winter Time:
Sunday Afternoon 1.30 p.m to 6.00 p.m

Coaches welcome for morning coffee or afternoon
tea. All home baking. parking facilities for coaches
at Abbey Graveyard.

(Öffnungszeiten aus dem Hausprospekt)

FACILITIES

Facilities for disabled.
Coffee Shop - Craft Shop - Souvenirs.
Children welcome.
Conveniently located for stopovers to Donegal.

For further information
telephone 072 51580.