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Saturday, July  4, 2009
Rushen Abbey

Open: Apr 4th - Oct 31st 2009: Daily, 10am - 5pm
Price: PRICES FOR 2009
Adults: £3.50
Children: £1.80
Family 2 adults and 2 children: £8.50
Groups (adult, pre-booked): £2.80
Groups (adult, un-booked): £3.20
Disabled: Access
Location: Ballasalla
Parking: Ample, close by in Car Park

History

Rushen Abbey was founded in 1134 by Monks of the Sauvignac Order from Furness Abbey in Cumbria on land granted to them by King Olaf I. In 1147 the order came into Cistercian control and by 1257 the Abbey Church was completed. The site included over a mile of land to the south and west as well as land holdings in Malew, Lezayre and Lonan. The Abbey built its church and buildings to the required rules of St Benedict. The monks also followed the strict rules of worship set out. The location of the Abbey was selected due to its close proximity to Castle Rushen, which was nearly two miles away in the town of Castletown.

The Abbey went through a boom in the early 1900's as its grounds were turned into gardens with refreshments. Most famous were the strawberries and cream. The site however fell into disrepair after World War II and by the 1980's the grounds were in a very bad state. After many attempts by the Manx Government to buy the site, it was finally acquired it in May 1998. Soon after Manx National Heritage began to excavate the site and reconstruct life at the old Abbey.

Location

Ballasalla is in the south of the island near Castletown.

By Vehicle:
Ballasalla is near Castletown along the A5 (Douglas Road).

By Bus:
Ballasalla can be reached by the following bus routes: 1, 1C, 2, 8. Travelling from Douglas, Port Erin, Port St Mary and Peel.

By Railway:
Ballasalla can be reached by the taking the Electric Railway to Douglas and then the Steam Railway to Ballasalla.

Ballasalla can be reached on the Steam Railway from Douglas going to Port Erin or by taking the Port Erin train going to Douglas.


The Site

  • Heritage Shop
  • Exhibition Rooms
  • Abbey Ruins
  • Herb Garden
  • Live Digs with Interactive Viewing Room
  • Large Model of Rushen Abbey and Building
  • Garden Walkways with Picnic Area
  • Visiting the Rushen Abbey

    Set near the Ballasalla are the ruins of a church once built by monks. The site has been preserved by Manx National Heritage who still run active digs around the church. Visitors are first welcomed into a large modern building with an interactive museum. Passing through the museum where audio and video presentations, as well as models, and signs tell the story of Rushen Abbey. Part of the museum has been specially designed for children. Allowing them to be a monk, build an arch, dig for artifacts and much more. Once out of the museum visitors find themselves over looking the ruins of Rushen Abbey. Paths and signs mark out key locations, explaining different parts of the abbey. There is large garden area with wild flowers, herbs, and trees. A picnic area with umbrella covered tables welcomes people to enjoy a break. Rushen Abbey is great for children and families, but don't forget to bring some refreshments.


    Events
    Dates: Sunday 12 July 2009
    Description: Songs Of Praise At Rushen Abbey. Songs of Praise at Rushen Abbey, Ballasalla. Join us for the annual Open Air Songs of Praise Service in the peace and tranquility of Rushen Abbey Ground. 2.30 to 3.30 pm. Admission Free. Rushen Abbey, Ballasalla, Castletown.
    Event information supplied by the Isle of Man Department of Tourism & Leisure (01624 686766)

    Related News Articles
    Candlelit Pilgrimage at Rushen Abbey during ‘Praying the Keeills’ Week 13 May 2009
    An evening pilgrimage and prayers by candlelight in the grounds of Rushen Abbey will form part of ‘Praying the Keeills’ Week 2009. [More]
    Easter Fun for all the Family 2 April 2009
    A talking monk, Easter cake-making and a chance to watch the traditional Manx Flitter Dance are just some of the things on offer at Manx National Heritage’s first event for spring 2009, Easter at The Abbey. [More]
    Song of Praise at Rushen Abbey - All Welcome! 14 July 2008
    On Sunday 20th July 2008, Manx National Heritage and Churches Together in Mann are inviting worshippers to join them for a special open air Songs of Praise service in the grounds of Rushen Abbey at 2. [More]
    Dance the afternoon away at Rushen Abbey 27 June 2008
    By popular demand, The Friends of Manx National Heritage (FMNH) will again be reviving Tea Dancing at Rushen Abbey by hosting their second ‘Strawberries & Cream Tea Dance’. [More]
    Calling all budding Archaeologists! 13 June 2008
    The protective covers are coming off at Rushen Abbey as archaeologists gear up for their annual excavations at the Island’s most important religious site. [More]
    More >>>

    Publications
    Rushen Abbey, Ballasalla, Isle of Man: First archaeological report (Centre for Manx Studies Research Report)
    Centre for Manx Studies, Paperback, 1999
    ISBN: 1899338063
    Buy Now More Info
    Rushen Abbey: Investigating and Presenting the Islands Most Important Medieval Religious Site
    Manx National Heritage
    Manx National Heritage, Paperback, 21 April, 2000
    ISBN: 0901106429
    List Price: £2.95
    New Price: £4.94
    Buy Now More Info
    Rushen Abbey

    Rushen Abbey

    Rushen Abbey

    Rushen Abbey








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