Durrow, like Clonard, Derry, and most other monasteries in the area, was frequently ravaged by the Vikings, but was not completely destroyed until the Norman invasion.

The vicinity is Mag Lena, where a synod of Irish clerics was held AD 630 to resolve the controversy over the date of Easter.

In 1992 plans were approved by Offaly County Council for owners Paddy and Sheila O'Brien to develop a golf course, hotel, 46 self-catering chalets and an air strip.

[11] In 1998 owner Sheila O'Brien began negotiations with Julie Lowe of the Durrow Abbey Trust to sell the estate for £2 million.

In 2000 plans consisting of a hotel, conference centre, leisure and equestrian complex, 461 residential units and a golf course were proposed to be built on the grounds of Durrow Abbey.

On 21 May 2007 a 99-year full repair and insure lease on Durrow Abbey House was agreed by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government John Gormley[12] and the Arts for Peace Foundation at a peppercorn rate (€10 annual rent).

[13] The Arts for Peace Foundation plans to use the house and grounds as the venue for a recreational respite centre for children from conflict zones.

[14] In December 2016 the Arts for Peace Foundation sued the Office of Public Works for breach of contract alleging a lack of maintenance at Durrow Abbey House.

[17] On 4 December 2018, John McGuinness, Chair of the Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, said meetings were held with the OPW and officials with plans to surrender the lease of Durrow Abbey back to the State for a figure of €600,000.

[19][20][21] In May 2021, Fianna Fáil TD Barry Cowen issued a press release stating the Office of Public Works had repossessed Durrow Abbey house.