Over the past few years we've become a bit obsessed with monks here at Fire Donkey HQ. I can't remember what started it all. But probably a trip to Caldey Island where we ended up literally spotting monks and then we put together a walking tour and thought, you know what this needs? More monks. And then Halloween came around and well...now Monkspotting exists. So now we're touring Pembrokeshire compiling a whole bunch of research to invent more parts of what shall one day (once it catches on) become known as the "Monkverse". For starters here's a non-exhaustive list of 10 of the best monastic ruins to visit in Pembrokeshire. Some are in better shape than others it must be said.
1. St. Dogmael's Abbey - This abbey was founded in the 12th century and is located near Cardigan. It is now a ruin, but visitors can still see the remains of the cloisters, the chapter house, and the dormitory. Not to mention an original stone bake oven and a 21st century shipping container.
2. Haverfordwest Priory - Bit of a hidden gem along the Cleddau on the outskirts of town. Founded in the 13th century, this priory was once one of the largest in Wales. The remains of the church and cloister can still be seen today. You have to use a bit of your imagination but it's a nice spot to visit if you're in Pembs. Walk down the winding slope from the top of town by the Leisure centre and you can get a sense of the old medieval town neatly hidden away. A potential location for a future Monkspotting event? Watch this space.
3. Pill Priory, Milford Haven - This ruined priory was founded in the 12th century and was home to Augustinian monks. Visitors can still see the remains of the church and cloisters, now on private land.
4. Caldey Island Priory - This priory was founded in the 6th century and is located on Caldey Island, just off the coast of Pembrokeshire. Visitors can see the remains of the church and the monastic buildings. They are also running low on monks. Average age now about 950. Last time we were there they were joking about looking for new recruits. Half-joking. The monks also used to make chocolate and candles. They're not so hands on these days mind.
5. St. David's monastery - So the original monastery isn't there anymore, in case you were wondering. The cathedral, built on top of the monastery, was founded in the 12th century and is located low down in a (very cleverly disguised viking-proof valley) in the city (the smallest city in Great Britain TM) of St. David's. Tour the cathedral (well preserved) and the Bishop's Palace (missing roof, walls, etc) - the ruins of which are well worth a visit, with lots of nooks and crannies to explore.
6. Whitland Abbey - Now on private land but you can still visit. This abbey, just outside Pembrokeshire in Carmarthenshire, was founded in the 12th century and was home to Cistercian monks. Visitors can still see the ruins of the church and cloisters.
7. Nevern Priory - On the site of where St Brynach's church now sits. This priory was founded in the 12th century and was home to Augustinian monks and was considered an important ecclesiastical centre. Visitors passing through can still see the remains of the church and the cloister, as well as an original Celtic Cross and a famous mythical bleeding yew tree. Whole bunch of mythology and folklore here. King Arthur even passed through on his travels round Pembrokeshire. Probably.
8. Llawhaden Castle and Bishop's Palace - This castle and palace, more a Bishop's Palace than a castle, were built in the 13th century and were the home of the Bishops of St. David's, the original 2nd home owners of Pembrokeshire! Visitors can still see the ruins of the castle and the palace.
9. Cilgerran Castle and Church - ok, this one is not a monastic ruin but definitely one of the best spots to visit in Pembrokeshire. On the borderlands near Ceredigion. This castle and church were built high up on a rocky promontory looking over the Teifi, date to the 12th century and were the home of the Norman Lords of Cilgerran. Visitors can still see the ruins of the castle and the church, and features a beautiful walk along the river down below through woodland. I'm just recommending places to visit in Pembrokeshire on a walking holiday now.
10. Monkton Priory - Sadly not much left of this one but it gets a mention owing to the straight-talking name and it's proximity to Pembroke castle, which, again, might not be a monastic ruin but go visit that instead.
Above: Liam and St Dogmael in the community herb garden beside St Dogmael's Abbey. He looked quite the character!
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