BALTINGLASS ABBEY in the 'VALLEY OF SALVATION'.

Baltinglass Abbey in west Wicklow stands on the banks of the River Slaney at the foothills of Rathcoran Hill, also known as Baltinglass Hill. The Cistercian abbey, known as Vallis Salutis (‘Valley of Salvation’), was founded in 1148 by the king of Leinster, Diarmaid Mac Murchadha (Diarmait MacMurrough), as the second daughter house of Mellifont Abbey, founded six years previously by St Malachy. Today the abbey is situated on the edge of a town which takes its name from the monastery, but this urban settlement only developed in more recent centuries. When the monks were originally gifted the land to build their new abbey, this was very much a rural location surrounded by farmland. However, it was located on an ancient routeway called Belach Conglais, from which we get the name Baltinglass today. In addition, the riverside setting of the abbey is a familiar feature of Cistercian monasteries, providing the monks with access to fresh water, fish (especially salmon) and power to run a mill. This guide explores this delightful monument.

Heritage Guides are included free with Archaeology Ireland subscriptions. Or can be purchased vis this website @ €5 each.