Mellifont Abbey was founded by St. Malachy of Armagh in 1142. The land was granted to him by Donagh O'Carroll (Donnachadh Ua Cearbhaill), king of Airghialla. Mellifont was the first Cistercian abbey in Ireland and styled after the monastery in Clairvaux founded by St. Bernard. Not much remains of this abbey except evidence of walls on the ground. The lavabo (wash house) is from the original structure and the square structure, in the center of the photo, is from the 14th century when the chapter house was expanded.
The abbey was suppressed in 1539 when King Henry the VIII chose to dismantle all monasteries in his realm. The lands have passed through many hands and in 1936 it returned to the Land Commission. In 1938, Mellifont was purchased by the Cistercian community.
Above: Looking down the cloister walk
Left: Chapter House