Friaries - CURIOUS IRELAND

Between c.1230 and 1500 approximately 45 friaries were established across Ireland. Their origins lay in continental Europe and were responsible for the introduction of new ways of pursuing religious life, social provision, and architectural planning designed for a communal life of work and prayer.

Claregalway Friary & Castle, Claregalway. County Galway 1252 & 1450

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Home to the de Burgo family for 250 years The Claregalway Friary & Castle are situated on the banks of the River Clare. The Friary was commissioned in 1252 by John de Cogan, [...]

Claregalway Friary & Castle, Claregalway. County Galway 1252 & 1450emmet2023-05-08T20:53:15+00:00

Kilcrea Friary, Ovens. County Cork 1465

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One of Munster's most important burial grounds The Kilcrea Friary is a medieval abbey located near Ovens in County Cork. It takes its name from a 6th-century saint named Cyra who is said to [...]

Kilcrea Friary, Ovens. County Cork 1465 emmet2025-10-25T14:43:27+00:00

The Magdalene Tower, Drogheda. County Louth 1370

emmet2025-10-26T19:10:19+00:00

Once one of the most important friaries in Ireland This elegant Gothic belfry tower dates to 1370 and are the only remains of what was once the Dominican Friary of Saint Mary Magdalene. Lucas [...]

The Magdalene Tower, Drogheda. County Louth 1370emmet2025-10-26T19:10:19+00:00

Castledermot, County Kildare c.9th-c.18th centuries

emmet2025-10-27T08:08:57+00:00

The site of the earliest known Irish Parliament Castledermot has many claims to fame. This was once one of the most important ecclesiastical centers in Ireland and you can still see many fine [...]

Castledermot, County Kildare c.9th-c.18th centuriesemmet2025-10-27T08:08:57+00:00

Burrishoole Friary, Newport. County Mayo 1468

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A stunning abbey with a dark past Burishoole Friary is situated in a beautiful inlet on Clew Bay. It was founded in 1469 by Sir Richard de Burgo of Turlough for the Dominican [...]

Burrishoole Friary, Newport. County Mayo 1468 emmet2025-10-26T10:53:36+00:00

Askeaton Franciscan Friary, Askeaton. County Limerick 1398

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One of the best-preserved friaries in Ireland Askeaton Franciscan Friary was founded in 1389 by Gerald, the 4th Earl of Desmond. Its design is arranged around a central cloister where the monks would [...]

Askeaton Franciscan Friary, Askeaton. County Limerick 1398 emmet2025-10-26T12:51:36+00:00

Adare Augustinian Friary, Adare. County Limerick 1316

emmet2025-10-26T12:54:04+00:00

One of the best-preserved medieval churches in Ireland Adare Augustinian Friary was founded in 1316 and was formerly known as 'The Black Abbey' because of the black habits worn by the Augustinian Friars. [...]

Adare Augustinian Friary, Adare. County Limerick 1316 emmet2025-10-26T12:54:04+00:00

The Friary on The Hill of Slane, Slane Hill. County Meath 1512

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The location chosen by St. Patrick for first pascal fire This site overlooking Slane village is reputedly the location where the Fir Bolg King Sláine' is buried. It is also where St. Patrick [...]

The Friary on The Hill of Slane, Slane Hill. County Meath 1512emmet2025-10-27T09:14:49+00:00

St John’s Priory, Trim. County Meath 1202

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A medieval hospital run by The Crutched Friars St John's Priory is located in Trim beside an ancient bridge about a mile downstream from Trim Castle. It was founded in 1202 by Simon [...]

St John’s Priory, Trim. County Meath 1202emmet2025-10-27T09:18:35+00:00