Movilla Abbey

Movilla Abbey in Newtownards, County Down, Northern Ireland, is believed to be one of Ulster's most important monasteries and was founded by St. Finian in 540 AD. There was a school on the site in 543 (St. Finians) which was attended by St. Columba. The Abbey was plundered by Vikings in 824 AD and refounded in the 12th century by Augustinian Canons. 
It may occupy the centre of a pre-Christian cult associated with a great tree. By the time it was attacked and burned by the Vikings in 825 it had grown considerably in size and had extensive craft workshops creating a wide range of bronze, glass and other products. In 1135 Saint Malachy of Armagh introduced the Augustinian Canons. 
The graveyard contains many old (including one pre-Norman) graves, as well as the more modern ones including that of Colonel Paddy Mayne.
Movilla Abbey, church of Augustinian Canons, is a State Care Historic Monument in the townland of Movilla, in Ards Borough Council area, at grid ref: J5035 7440.
==Gallery==
Image:Ruins_Of_Movilla_Abbey.jpg|Movilla Abbey Ruins
Image:Grave_Of_Paddy_Mayne.jpg|Grave Of Col. Paddy Mayne
==References==
==See also==
* Abbeys and priories in Northern Ireland (County Down)
==External links==
*Northern Ireland Tourist Board information on Movilla
Category:Christian monasteries in Northern Ireland
Category:Ruins in Northern Ireland
Category:Religion in County Down
Category:Buildings and structures in County Down
Category:Archaeological sites in County Down
Category:Newtownards