Rushen Abbey is the most substantial and important medieval religious site in the Isle of Man. Sitting by the Silverdale Burn in what is now Ballasalla, the Abbey lies less than two miles from Castle Rushen, the main seat of political power during this period. Acquired by the Manx Government in 1998 it was transferred to Manx National Heritage and forms a major presentation which examines not only the important story of this site but also the Christian heritage of the Island. Parts of the Abbey buildings still survive and over several years will be enhanced through expert consolidation as more of the archaeological remains are exposed through excavation and brought to public view.

King Olaf I, the statesman son of Godred Crovan, granted the land on which the Abbey was built in 1134. Originally home for monks of the Sauvignac order, the Abbey soon came within Cistercian control. It developed as the Island’s seat of religious power and would have housed the main body of knowledge and literacy for the Island. With the Abbey are associated the most important medieval documents relating to the Island, including the Chronicles of the Kings of Man and the Isles.

The Abbey church and cloister lay at the heart of a range of buildings which followed the requirements of the life of worship and work which the rule of St Benedict laid down. The Abbey was surrounded by an estate or demesne which extended for over a mile to the south and west and was directly operated from the Abbey itself. Land holdings further afield in the parish of Malew and north into Lezayre and Lonan were under its control and the whole arrangement formed an agricultural and economic unit far in excess of any other estate on the Island at that time.

Visitors to Rushen Abbey will have the chance to learn about Christianity on the Island and what life was like for the Cistercian community here. They can walk through the remains of substantial medieval buildings and see where archaeological research has revealed traces of buildings below ground. Archaeological excavations and a long-term programme of building conservation continue to enhance our knowledge of this important site.

Please see the Visitor Information page for details of opening hours and admission charges where applicable.