Glenstal Abbey

The monks keep the gate open: you can walk the avenues and lakes of the five-hundred-acre estate, visit the church at any time, and sit in on any of the day’s hours of prayer. The Monastery Reception, just inside the entrance arch, is open weekdays from 9am to 5pm and has information and a gift shop. The guesthouse takes people staying for a private retreat, arranged in advance; the school buildings, playing fields and cloister are private, and viewing can be arranged for groups by appointment.