100 American students set to begin studies on site of historic Waterford abbey

100 students from the United States are set to begin their studies on the site of a historic abbey in County Waterford this month.

The Florida-based Ave Maria University is opening an Irish campus at Mount Melleray in West Waterford.

The abbey was home to Cistercian monks for nearly 200 years before closing its doors in January of last year.

Earlier this year, Ave Maria University announced its plans to open a campus at the location, following discussions with the Cistercian Order.

Now, Mount Melleray is set to reopen its doors, with 100 students from the Catholic university arriving for a study abroad semester in the coming weeks.

The university says the students will experience a “transformational semester of prayer, study, work and adventure”.

A university spokesperson said: “The Ireland Study Abroad Program at our Mount Melleray campus offers students a fully integrated Ave Maria University experience rooted in Ireland's rich Catholic heritage.

“Designed as a semester-long experience, the program combines rigorous academics, intentional spiritual formation, and immersive cultural experiences—all while keeping students on track for graduation.

“Set within a historic Cistercian monastery, the campus invites students into a rhythm of study, prayer, and community life that is deeply formative.

“Mount Melleray is an off-campus, study-abroad instructional site of Ave Maria University, operating under the University's academic accreditation and administered by the Florida campus through its own faculty.”

The university has announced that a special Mass will be held to mark the reopening of the Mount Melleray.

Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan will celebrate the Mass, which will take place at the abbey on Sunday, September 20 at 10:30am.

The university has said it is expecting over a 1000 people to attend the Mass. Those looking to attend are asked to arrive early, as seating will be limited.