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Introduction

Pax (Peace), inscribed over the portal of the monastery, the first word of welcome to all entering this place is both our greeting to, and our wish for you.

In the spirit of St Benedict, who taught in his Rule that all guests should be welcomed as Christ himself, we welcome you. Seeking God and creating a space where God seeks us through a life of prayer and work is at the heart of monastic life. In welcoming you we invite you simply to participate in this seeking and being sought here at Glenstal.

People connect with Glenstal in all sorts of ways. Many come daily to participate in the liturgy, visit the church or simply walk the grounds. Others spend some days of reflection in the Guesthouse and many others join in one of the organised retreat or course days. In recent years visiting day groups have become very popular. For all it seems to be a relaxing, reflective and restoring time. We encourage you to browse the following pages.

If you wish to be kept up to date on all happenings and events, join our mailing list by clicking here.

Day Group Visits

The monastery hosts day groups (schools, active retirement and parish groups, etc) who wish to visit the monastery and spend some time getting to know our place, our tradition and our life. Such group visits we will happily organise with you. For more information please click here… 

Day Visitors

All are welcome to Glenstal, especially to join the monks for liturgy in the monastic church. You are also welcome to visit the grounds and the shop. Please note that the school buildings are private and are not open to unaccompanied visitors. For more information click here…

Guesthouse

The tradition of people taking some quiet time apart to reflect, relax and pray while staying in a monastic guest house is as old as monastic life itself. The monastery at Glenstal has a purpose built house for accommodating such guests. For more information click here....

God Pods / Lettings

The monastery also offers fixed longer-term accommodation in the form of God Pods; small single self-catering dwellings in a secluded and quiet setting surrounded by nature. They are intended for those who seek God within and who are comfortable in the quiet and solitude this type of setting offers.  For more information click here....

Retreat Days

Over the course of the year, we hold a number of retreat days. Led by monks of the community along specific themes, our aim is to Renew your Spirit and Refresh your Senses during your time here. For more information click here....

Camps, Courses & Conferences

The hospitality department at Glenstal, using the monastery and school buildings, now host many courses, summer schools and camps as well as small conferences throughout the year. If you would like to explore this possibility, let us know. For more information please email us at [email protected]. 

Shop

The Monastery Shop stocks a large range of religious and other gifts. We have also greatly expanded our book section and continue to source quality religious goods and artisan foods. For more information please click here…

Let all guests who arrive be received like Christ, for he is going to say, ‘I came as a guest, and you received me’. And to all let due honour be shown, especially to the domestics of the faith and to pilgrims. Rule of Benedict, Ch. 53