Franciscan Abbeys

1230c – Franciscan Monastery, Claregalway, Co. Galway

Probably founded by a Norman lord, John de Cogan in the first half of the 13th century. Like other monasterys of the period,

1240 – Greyfriars Abbey, Waterford

Founded by the Franciscans around 1240, only the nave, chancel and an aisle remain of the original complex. It has a fine triple light east window.

1245 – St. Francis Abbey, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny

The Franciscans came to Ireland in around 1226, and St Francis’s Abbey was founded sometime between 1231 April 1234. The first definite date for the abbey is October 15,

1265 – Franciscan Abbey, Cashel, Co. Tipperary

‘Hacket’s Abbey’ was founded by Sir William Hacket about 1265. Despite the fact that the Anglican archbishop got possession of the friary at the Suppression,

1302 – Franciscan Friary, Castledermot, Co.Kildare

Founded in 1302 by Thomas, Lord of Ossory and plundered in 1317. The church was originally a rectangle with transepts added in the 1320s.

1353 – Kilconnell Abbey, Co. Galway

A Franciscan friary founded in 1353, by William O’Kelly, Lord of Ui Maine. The remaining building which are in good condition ,

1440 – Rosserk Abbey, Co. Mayo

One of the finest and best preserved Franciscan monasteries in Ireland, Rosserk was founded in 1440. Now a National Monument, the single aisled church has a finely carved west doorway.

1448 – Muckross Abbey, Killarney, Co. Kerry

Founded in 1448 as a Franciscan friary for the Observantine Franciscans by Donal McCarthy Mor. It has had a violent history and has been damaged and reconstructed many times.

1462 – Moyne Abbey, Ballina, Co. Mayo

Moyne Abbey is one of most impressive ecclesiastical ruins in Mayo and a National Monument. It was founded by the Burke family as a Franciscan friary and consecrated in 1462.

1464 – Franciscan Abbey, Adare, Co. Limerick

Now a fine ruin in the grounds of the Adare Manor Golf Club, the Franciscan Friary was founded in 1464 by Thomas,