Rushen Abbey
Rushen Abbey, the Abbey Gardens and Interpretation Centre reveals one of the Island’s most important heritage sites through the ages from its founding in 1134 right through to its use in the present day.
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.
Find out more about Rushen Abbey in our Souvenir Booklet and Site Guide, available at the Manx Museum and Rushen Abbey Heritage Shops.
Things to See and Do:
Learn about famous strawberry and cream teas, dancing and the pleasure gardens.
Meet school mistress Miss Bell Anne Stowell and discover a fruity tale.
Discover how Rushen Abbey was founded and learn about the earliest written account of the Isle of Man.
Dress up as a monk, kneel and read ancient scriptures.
Have a go at archaeology, see the excavations and the Abbey’s remains.
See archaeologist’s film diaries and watch them at work.
Learn calligraphy or build an ancient arch.
Find out about medieval medicines.
Visit the Abbey Gardens and see wild flowers, trees and herbs.
Enjoy a picnic in the tranquillity of Rushen Abbey grounds.
Follow the footpath to the 14th Century Monks’ Bridge in Silverdale Glen.
VISITORS INFORMATION:
Rushen Abbey is open daily from 10am to 5pm, Easter to October.
Free admission is available to holders of a valid 5 Site Pass, 10 Day Heritage Explorer Pass, ACE Card holders and reciprocal agreement members.
Group visits: for details on how to plan a group visit to Rushen Abbey, please click here.
Whilst planning your journey around our beautiful Island, you will find our Visitor Information page useful when planning visits to the Isle of Man's amazing museums, interpretive centres and historic sites. Alternatively, you can click here to watch a short film on the Story of Mann.
How to get there:
By foot: access via Ballasalla village, Silverdale Glen or the Millennium Way walk along the Silverburn River.
By road: situated in the heart of Ballasalla and signposted in the village.
By bus: 1, 1C, 2, 8, X2
Steam Railway: disembark at Ballasalla, Rushen Abbey is signposted from the station.
Parking: car park available with blue badge parking.
Admission Charges: £2.00 Children (under 18 years) and Students, £4.00 Adults, £9.50 Family (2 adults and 2 children).
Heritage attractions nearby: the Manx Museum, Douglas, Castle Rushen, the Nautical Museum, the Old House of Keys and the Old Grammar School, Castletown
Information for Disabled Visitors:
This site has its own car park with disabled parking spaces available.
The car park surface is gravel, so wheelchair users may require assistance.
The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair with assistance. The inside of the interpretive centre is fully accessible to wheelchair users.
The gardens are accessed via loose gravel paths. Wheelchair accessible toilet facilities are available.
Guided tours can be arranged for visually impaired and blind visitors and large format information about the site can be provided.
Staff receive some disability awareness training.
Registered assistance dogs are welcomed. It is the policy of Manx National Heritage to admit the assistant or carer of a disabled person free of charge.
Address:
Rushen Abbey
Mill Road
Ballasalla,
Isle of Man.
IM9 3DB