100 students from Florida university move into Mount Melleray Abbey this month

One hundred students from Ave Maria University in Florida will arrive at Mount Melleray Abbey in West Waterford this month.

The historic abbey closed its doors in January 2025, after almost 200 years in service to the community.

It is now set to become an outpost for the American Catholic higher-level institution, Ave Maria University, which will be establishing a new campus on its grounds. 

Based in Florida, the university will be hosting a semester-long program at Melleray.

Course offerings for students will include classes on Irish Spirituality, Irish Saints, Ethics, Metaphysics and Sacred Doctrine.

Students from the university will arrive in Waterford to begin their semester this month.

An opening mass and a hike have been organised to welcome the students.

The opening mass will take place September 20, with close to 1,000 guests expected.

The mass will be attended by Ave Maria University affiliated guests, Ireland program donors, and invited friends of the University.

On September 19, an afternoon hike has been organized by the St Declan's Way and Knockmealdown Active teams, and supported by Mount Melleray and Ave Maria University.

The 12km walk along St Declan's Way and the Pilgrim Paths of Mount Melleray is expected to be attended by locals to the area and new students from the university.

Read our 2024 special report on the history and closure of Mount Melleray Abbey HERE