St. Mary's Abbey, Duleek.
Said to have been established in 1182 AD, by Hugh de Lacy, the Lord of Meath at the time, St. Mary's Abbey in Duleek, was an Augustinian Priory. Within close proximity to the Abbey are two fine examples of 9th century high-crosses, both of which are pictured below. Originally, a round tower stood slightly to the North of the still standing square tower. The square tower was constructed in the 1500's and both stood side by side for many years, with an opening connecting the two structures about 10m above ground level. This opening is still visible, and is pictured below.
In the year 1587 AD, the impressive East window was put into place in the Abbey by a Sir Johne Bellewe and his wife Dame Ismay Nugent. The window bears an inscription underneath, which reads: "THE WINDOW WAS MADE BY SIRR JOHNE BELLEWE KNIGHT AND DAME ISMAY NUGENT HIS WIFE IN THE YEAR OF OURE LORD 1587".
It is estimated that the use of St. Mary's Abbey as a religious place of worship ceased in 1730 AD.
In the year 1587 AD, the impressive East window was put into place in the Abbey by a Sir Johne Bellewe and his wife Dame Ismay Nugent. The window bears an inscription underneath, which reads: "THE WINDOW WAS MADE BY SIRR JOHNE BELLEWE KNIGHT AND DAME ISMAY NUGENT HIS WIFE IN THE YEAR OF OURE LORD 1587".
It is estimated that the use of St. Mary's Abbey as a religious place of worship ceased in 1730 AD.