Ahitland Abbey – mother Abbey for the Cistercians in Wales, once a thriving community of over 100 monks, a place where princes were buried, a place closely linked by faith to both France and Ireland – now a largely forgotten ruin.

Well, that was the case until recently.

In December 2021 Whitland Abbey became the venue for a community carol singing event, led of course by Whitland Male Voice Choir. 

The event started from Canolfan Hywel Dda in Whitland with a community walk – and because of the season, this was a walk with a difference – it was led by two donkeys! George and Mildred took everyone from Canolfan Hywel Dda past Dyffryn Taf High School (where more joined the walk) and then continued up North Road and onto the Whitland Abbey Byway to get to the Abbey site. Waiting for them were seasonal refreshments such as minced pies and Christmas biscuits with to drink hot chocolate or mulled apple juice. The weather was dry but chilly, so these were a great idea.

Parch Guto Llewelyn opened the event at the Abbey with a short blessing, and then the Choir sang. and the audience joined in. For many this may have been their own Carol Concert of 2021, and we are so pleased they chose this one and contributed to it.  it was enjoyable and also moving, and wonderful to be able to have a Christmas celebration as a community at such a historically important location.

Thank you to all of those who came, and also to those who would have liked to come but felt unable for personal reasons.  Well over 50 people followed the donkeys along the Byway walk, and people kept arriving afterwards, so we estimate we have an amazing 120-140 people there, adults, children, family groups, plus some excellently behaved dogs or all sizes!

We as volunteers value and work hard to protect and highlight Whitland abbey, and to have so many of you coming to events such as this that we put on is very much appreciated. It shows us that you, too, value the Abbey. Thank you for your support.

We will be putting on  more events on at Whitland Abbey in the coming months and years so watch this website and our social media!

Whitland Abbey is a CADW scheduled monument, recognising its importance in the history of Wales.  Thank you for also recognising its importance and coming along to celebrate Whitland Abbey with us.