Mass has been said in Ballintubber Abbey without a break since its foundation in 1216. Considering the fact that for 236 years the Abbey was unroofed this is testament enough to the faith of the local population. Founded by King Cathal O’Connor, King of Connacht and like other Abbeys in Ireland, Ballintubber Abbey was suppressed by Henry VIII. After the destruction by Cromwell in 1653 the Abbey was left roofless, but for 236 years the people of Ballintubber attended Mass in the rain, wind and snow. The Abbey once again suffered under the Penal Laws, but still after its traumatic history it refused to die, and now has the unique status of being Ireland’s only Abbey that has been in continuous use for 780 years. Remains of an ancient pilgrimage road leading to Croagh Patrick and the grave of the priest killer are only two of the highlights.