Review of St. Benedict’s Priory Bible Garden and Tea Rooms

St. Benedict’s Priory Bible Garden & Tea Rooms are located at the high end of Cobh, behind St.Colman’s Cathedral and is the perfect getaway in Cobh. Once one enters, it becomes one’s ownpersonal sanctuary. Its tranquil surroundings are perfectly conducive to forgetting any troubles youmay have plus its calming and peaceful atmosphere makes you feel completely relaxed.

The Monastic Heritage Centre provides a fascinating presentation of the history of Monasticism inIreland. The Bible Garden provides an ambience for all who seek a secluded place to meditate onthe Bible in the setting of biblical trees, plants and flowers as well as breathtaking views of Cobhincluding St. Colman’s Cathedral, Cobh Town and Cork Harbour. The beautiful collection of flowers,plants and shrubbery is particularly impressive in summer and the immaculate ponds with fish areamazing to sit by while enjoying the peace and quiet.

The garden is perfect for that special moment of reflection or remembrance. Memorial plaques andmonuments dedicated to those who have passed away decorate the garden beautifully and add tothe spiritual atmosphere and aura of the site. One of the most famous monuments in St. Benedicts,The Leanbh Memorial, was erected as a memorial to anyone who has suffered the loss of a child.

The Priory building at The Mount was originally the Admiralty Residence and was in more recenttimes used as the Generalate and Novitiate of the Cloyne Sisters of Mercy.

St. Benedict’s Bible Garden was opened officially by Bishop John Magee in May. The garden coversabout one and a half acres on secluded ground in the Priory. Several of the Gardens mentioned inthe Bible are recaptured in this Bible Garden: – the Garden of the Song; the Pool of Solomon; theSpring of Engeddi; the Garden of Gethsemane; the Garden of the Resurrection. The entire BibleGarden is laid out in the form of a Jerusalem Cross.

After your relaxing stroll why not visit the tea rooms? This serves a delightful selection of cakes andsandwiches as well as a great selection of both hot and cold beverages. The friendly staff make for afantastic atmosphere in a lovely setting where you can enjoy a chat with a friend over tea and cakesor simply read a book with a coffee by yourself.

Looking to find St. Benedict’s? Simply walk up the hill from the Cathedral, turn right onto JohnO’Connell Street at The Quarry Cock Bar and follow the road straight up and you will see the gates ofSt. Benedict’s straight in front of you just before the road turns off left for Beechmount.
Come for both, be disappointed by neither. A must see for anyone visiting Cobh!