Saint Cronan

Glassmore Abbey

It is easy to see why the Danes were attracted to Malahide. Its estuary offered a safe harbour for its galleys, and it was a good centre from which to attack the well-to-do ecclesiastical communities of Swords and Lusk. One such raid occurred on Glassmore Abbey which had been founded about 660 A.D. It is situated about one mile from Swords on the Rathbeale Road, and in addition to the abbey, there was also a holy well (in Cian Lea Estate). Under the rule of St Cronan, Glassmore Abbey flourished sufficiently to attract the attention of the Northmen (Danes) of Inbher Domhnainn (Malahide). They raided the abbey, destroyed it, and killed St Cronan and his followers on 10 February.