Plans for an Irish campus by a US Catholic university at the former Mount Melleray Abbey in Co. Waterford have reached an “advanced stage”, according to the Cistercian Order in Ireland.
In a statement, the Cistercian community at Our Lady of Silence Abbey said discussions with Florida-based Ave Maria University on a proposed “educational and formation initiative” had progressed following approval by the university’s board.
“A number of formal steps remain to be completed. For that reason, no final public announcement has yet been made,” the monks said, adding that any development must respect the abbey’s spiritual character, life of prayer and the local community.
Mount Melleray near Cappoquin closed in January 2025 after almost two centuries, when the remaining monks relocated to Roscrea due to falling numbers and an ageing community.
Local walking guide and chairman of Pilgrim Paths Ireland John G O’Dwyer said reaction locally has been largely positive despite some concerns about the university’s conservative reputation.
“About 90% of the responses were favourable,” he said. “Some people don’t like it, but if it brings students and spending to towns like Lismore and Cappoquin that have been losing out, I think that’s great.”
He added that restoring the monastery would require major investment due to damp and structural issues, meaning only a well-resourced organisation could realistically take on the project.
Mr O’Dwyer said: “It would be a beautiful location to keep alive.”
