Hidden in woodland on the shore of Bannow Bay, Tintern Abbey is one of the most atmospheric medieval ruins in the south-east. Founded by Cistercian monks more than 800 years ago, the great grey abbey church — with its soaring tower and pointed arches — sits in a setting of rare beauty: river, woodland, an old stone bridge, and a restored walled garden a short walk away. It is the kind of place that rewards an unhurried half-day.
An Abbey Born of a Storm
Tintern was founded around 1200 by William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke — the same Norman lord who built Hook Lighthouse — in thanks for surviving a storm at sea. He named it after Tintern in Wales, the mother house from which its first monks came, and it is often called “Tintern de Voto,” Tintern of the Vow. After the monasteries were dissolved, the abbey was partly converted into a private home by the Colclough family, who lived here for centuries; the blend of medieval church and later domestic building is part of what makes it so unusual.
The Colclough Walled Garden
A short woodland walk from the abbey, across an old stone bridge, leads to the beautifully restored Colclough Walled Garden — a 19th-century garden brought back to life by volunteers, divided into ornamental and kitchen sections. It is a delight in summer, and the walk to reach it, along the river and through the trees, is half the pleasure.
Walks and Trails
The surrounding estate has a network of woodland and shoreline trails of varying lengths, from a gentle stroll to a longer ramble along Bannow Bay. It is an excellent spot for a picnic and a walk even when the abbey itself is closed.
Practical Information
Tintern Abbey is near Saltmills, on the Hook Peninsula side of Bannow Bay, around 45 minutes from Wexford town. There is parking on site. The abbey is an OPW site with guided tours and seasonal opening hours; the walled garden and trails have their own access arrangements. Check current opening times before travelling, and wear shoes suitable for woodland paths.
This is one of our Top 15 Things to Do in Wexford.