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Visit Ballintubber Abbey, known as “the Abbey that refused to die.” It has been used continuously for worship since its foundation in 1216, even though burned down by Cromwell in 1653. In 441 St. Patrick had founded a church on the same site.
In County Mayo it is situated in the village called Ballintubber or Ballintober. Ballintubber's history goes back to pre-Christian times, people came from the east through Ballintubber on their way to the holy mountain on the west coast now called Croagh Patrick.
When St Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland in c.441AD, he founded a church at Ballintubber. The present Abbey was founded in 1216 by King Cathal O'Conor. It is the only church in Ireland still in daily use that was founded by an Irish king.
Through its many vicissitudes, including burning by Cromwell's army in 1653, the Abbey has remained a place of worship despite years of continuous attacks and religious repression.