Bective Abbey, filming location for Braveheart and The Last Duel is a Cistercian abbey founded in 1147AD
Bective Abbey, County Meath

Bective Abbey, County Meath

I wrote recently about the production of a new film, postponed during the Coronavirus / COVID-19 pandemic, set to be filmed this month at Cahir Castle, County Tipperary. Some of The Last Duel, starring Matt Damon, Adam Driver, Ben Affleck and Jodie Comer and directed by Ridley Scott is also being filmed at one of the finest scenic locations in County Meath, Bective Abbey.

Bective Abbey is a former Cistercian Abbey dating to 1147 by a local king as a daughter house to Mellifont Abbey, in nearby County Louth. It was in use until the mid 16th century when it was destroyed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII. It was subsequently used as a private house and is now in state care.

Filming of The Last Duel takes place in September and October 2020.

Bective remains one of my favourite locations to photograph. Seen here in the main image the ruins after dark, and below on a fine sunny day surrounded by lush green trees in summer.

The ruins famously featured in another Hollywood film, Braveheart starring and directed by Mel Gibson. You'll remember that scene where the chap gets thrown out of the window, that's Bective.

Join me on a photography workshop to photograph the fine sights of Ireland, beyond Dublin - email address at the top of the page.

Ruins of Bective Abbey, County Meath - Ireland

Ruins of Bective Abbey, County Meath - Ireland

Atmospheric Ruins of Bective Abbey, County Meath - Ireland
Atmospheric Ruins of Bective Abbey, County Meath - Ireland

Darren McLoughlin

Irishman and International travel photographer in search of the best bits of Ireland. Leading photography tours and experiences in Ireland.
Contributor to: New York Times / Sunday Times / Irish Times / Echtra Echtra and Eonmusic
Cancer survivor.