Kilmaine and Kille Abbeys
South side of old Abbey
Andreas F. Borchert
Old Abbey - Kilmaine
Donor
By Evelyn Keane
The Kilmaine Abbey
The abbey is situated in the middle of the village. On this site St. Patrick built the biggest of his three churches. The abbey is a very simple design with a single elongated nave, with Gothic style windows. Gravestones surround the Abbey, the oldest grave here dates back to 1006. This abbey belonged to the 3rd order of St. Francis and was built on the site of St. Patrick’s church.
Kille Abbey
Kille Abbey is situated about one mile off the main Shrule – Kilmaine Road in Co. Mayo. Outside the abbey wall there is a stone with a hole in it, large enough so that a clenched fist can fit into it. This stone is about a meter and a half above ground level, and out from it on the ground at four meters is another stone. Legend has it that if you stand on one stone on the ground and walk towards the wall with arms outstretched and eyes closed, and if you manage to get your hand in the hole within three attempts you will have your wish granted. Others say that you have secured a place in Heaven.