Fore Abbey Walk
This circular walk visits the atmospheric ruins of a Benedictine Abbey, near Fore village in County Westmeath.
The abbey buildings date back to the 13th century though it was originally founded in the 7th century. It was a Benedictine priory and, at its height, might have had as many as 300 monks.
The monastery is classed as one of the "Seven Wonders of Fore" as the 'monastery built in a bog'.
Also of interest is the remains of the ancient church which was built around AD 900.
The circular walk is called St Feichin's Way and runs for about 2.6km around the site and the village. It is named after St Feichin who founded the Christian monastery in the seventh century AD. You can start the walk from the on site car park.
Postcode
N91 TN92 - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsFore Abbey Open Street Map 
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Fore Abbey Open Street Map 
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Further Information and Other Local Ideas
A few miles to the west you will find the beautiful Lough Derravaragh. There's some pleasant trails through the peaceful lakeside woodland and fine views across the water from the shoreline trails. Near here there's Lough Owel where there's walks, swimming and the wildlife rich Scragh Bog Nature Reserve.
To the north east there's the fascinating Loughcrew. This ancient site includes includes a number of tombs thought to date to the 4th millennium BC. There are great views from the hill top to enjoy here as well.
To the south there's more local historic interest at Durrow Abbey. The interesting medieval site includes several notable ancient features, a picturesque walled garden and some peaceful woodland trails.
Near here there's the splendid Belvedere House and Lough Ennell. The house includes lakeside trails, woodland, sculptures, a fairy garden and a Victoria Walled Garden. There's also some wonderful ruined follies including the eye catching Jealous Wall.
To the north west there's more nice waterside trails around the grounds of Lough Rynn Castle. The castle has 350 acres of parkland and gardens to explore.
To the north there's Lough Sheelin and Lough Ramor where there's lakeside trails and a Deer Park Forest to explore.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Fore Abbey. Originally founded by St Feichin in the seventh century, the building pictured here dates from the early part of the 13th century. It was a Benedictine priory and, at its height, might have had as many as 300 monks.
This monastery is one of the "Seven Wonders of Fore" - 'the monastery built in a bog'. The other six wonders are:
The water the flows uphill.
The mill without a race.
The water that will not boil
The tree that will not burn
The anchorite in a stone
The stone raised by St Fechin's prayers
Cloisters Fore Abbey
Fore Abbey exterior