Ballindoon Priory (or Abbey)

Ballindoon Abbey or Priory rests on the quiet shores of Lough Arrow, a lake in South Sligo. This Dominican priory was commissioned in 1507 by the McDonaghs, the prominent family on this side of the lough at the time (with the McDermotts on the other side).

The abbey is fairly well preserved, if abandoned, while the nearby Ballindoon Castle is almost 100% dismantled (we have Red Hugh O’Donnell to thank for that). Today, the abbey is a peaceful place, and rarely visited though technically still a working burial ground. Some “steps” lead up to the rood screen on the second floor, but they aren’t complete. On some visits, you’ll be met by a friendly black lab! Ballindoon is the perfect place for quiet contemplation. For me, it’s a place I bike past often and a place that I love, both for photography, reflection and even a nice wee reading spot.