St Mary’s, found in the city centre of Dublin, is a medieval abbey founded in 1139. At one time it was the wealthiest Cistercian Abbey in Ireland and played a large role in the affairs of the state, but Henry VIII dissolved it in 1539. Today, only two rooms remain: the Chapter House and the Slype. The building also houses a fascinating exhibition created by the Office of Public Works, Dublin Archaeological Society and the History of Art Department of Trinity College, Dublin. The site is accessible by stone stairway only.