Boyle, County Roscommon
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Boyle Mainistir na Búille |
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Location | ||
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Irish Grid Reference G803019 |
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Statistics | ||
Province: | Connacht | |
County: | County Roscommon | |
Elevation: | 83 m | |
Population (2002) - Town: - Rural: |
1,649 562 |
Boyle (Irish: Mainistir na Búille) is a town in County Roscommon, Ireland. It is located at the foot of the Curlew Mountains near Lough Key in the north of the county. The renowned fishing lakes of Lough Arrow and Lough Gara are also close by.
The population of the town in 2002 was 2,205. It is the birthplace of actress Maureen O'Sullivan.
Boyle lies on the railway line from Dublin to Sligo, and the N4 Dublin-Sligo main road skirts the town.
[edit] Boyle Abbey
The Cistercian Monastery in Boyle, Boyle Abbey, was founded in the 12th century under the patronage of the local ruling family, the MacDermotts. Though mutilated during the 17th and 18th centuries when it was used to accommodate a military garrison, Boyle Abbey is one of the best preserved structures of its type, and attracts many thousands of visitors per year. A restored gatehouse 16th/17th century vintage houses an exhibition. Guided tours are available.