A Drogheda convent has been recommended in a reputable international travel guide for Christian places to stay.
The Siena convent features in Good night and God Bless,
written by Australian Trish Clark.
Ms Clark first got the idea for the
book when she was travelling to Rome on a budget and on finding hostels
all full, stayed in a convent instead.
She found the experience to be fun and decided to write a guide to
atmospheric and affordable accommodation in convents, monasteries,
abbeys and other religious-run establishments around Europe.
The accommodation in the Drogheda convent is offered in a small
retreat house and a newly refurbished self-catering guest area, which is
open only to women tourists.
“The book is aimed art tourists and travellers seeking a unique
experience as well as those pursuing a pilgrimage or religious retreat,”
Ms Clark explained
The Dominican Sisters of St Catherine of Siena have been in Drogheda
since 1722 when an Irish-born nun was sent from Brussels to establish a
branch of the order in Ireland.
At one stage and to survive oppressive
anti-Catholic laws and prejudice, members of the order were forced to
abandon their garb for secular dress for safety reasons and the head of
the order is reputed to have been interviewed by an official.
The convent has recently renovated its retreat house, which is self-catering, with a fully equipped kitchen.
There are four ensuite rooms, two of which have individual
kitchenettes for those who wish to avail of a retreat in complete
silence and solitude.
All rooms have access to internet and bed linen and towels are provided.
If they wish, guests can partake of the community's religious
services and may join the nuns for Mass, Liturgy of the Hours and
Eucharistic Adoration.