Greyabbey is the best example of Anglo-Norman Cistercian architecture in Ulster and was the daughter house of Holm Cultram (Cumbria). It was founded in 1193 by Affreca, wife of John de Courcy, the Anglo-Norman invader of East Ulster. Architecturally it is important as the first fully gothic style building in Ulster; it is the first fully stone church in which every window arch and door was pointed rather than round headed. The abbey was linked to Holmcultram in Cumberland, and not directly connected to other Irish Cistercian houses. One of only two Irish houses to have a Corbal table, likely added in the 15th C. The Western Doorway is much weathered, with elaborate decoration and dogstooth style. A head sits above the doorway.
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