List of monastic houses in County Galway

Overview

In this article smaller establishments such as cells and notable monastic granges (particularly those with resident monks) and camerae of the military orders of monks (Templars and Hospitallers) are included. The numerous monastic hospitals per se are not included here unless at some time the foundation had, or was purported to have, the status or function of an abbey, priory, friary or preceptory/commandery.

Article layout

Communities/provenance: shows the status and communities existing at each establishment, together with such dates as have been established as well as the fate of the establishment after dissolution, and the current status of the site.

Formal Name or Dedication: shows the formal name of the establishment or the person in whose name the church is dedicated, where known.

Alternative Names: some of the establishments have had alternative names over the course of time. In order to assist in text-searching such alternatives in name or spelling have been provided.

Monastic Glossary: following the listing, provides links to articles on the particular monastic orders as well as other terms which appear in the listing.


Abbreviations and Key

The sites listed are ruins or fragmentary
remains unless indicated thus:
* current monastic function
+ current non-monastic ecclesiastic function
^ current non-ecclesiastic function
= remains incorporated into later structure
# no identifiable trace of the monastic foundation remains
~ exact site of monastic foundation unknown
ø possibly no such monastic foundation at location
¤ no such monastic foundation
≈ identification ambiguous or confused

Locations with names in italics indicate probable duplication (misidentification with another location)
or non-existent foundations (either erroneous reference or proposed foundation never implemented).
Trusteeship denoted as follows:
NM National Monument
C.I. Church of Ireland
R.C. Roman Catholic Church

Alphabetical listing of establishments

Foundation Image Communities & Provenance Formal Name or Dedication
& Alternative Names 		OnLine References & Location
Abbeygormacan Abbey Augustinian Canons Regular
founded before 1170?;
dissolved 1543; granted to Ulick Bourke (William Ulick de Burgo Mac William), first Earl of Clanrickard (Clanricarde) 1543/1544, who probably did not evict the canons, who possibly remained until the reign of Elizabeth I		 The Abbey Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Gormacan
____________________
Gormacan Abbey;
Abbey Gormogan Abbey;
Monaster O Gormogan;
de Via Nova;
Nova Via 		[1][2]

53°12′52″N 8°20′57″W / 53.214411°N 8.349223°W
Addergoole Abbey
(Addergoole parish, near Ardcloon)		 order, period and foundation unknown
"Abbey (in ruins)"[notes 1]		 53°37′14″N 8°49′29″W / 53.620514°N 8.824639°W
Ahascragh Abbey early monastic site, reputedly founded by St Cuan;
C.I. church on site		 Ahaskeragh;
Ath-ascrath;
Ath-ascrach;
Ath-escrach-Cuain 		[3][4][5]

53°23′53″N 8°20′06″W / 53.398168°N 8.334933°W
Annaghdown Abbey of St. John the Baptist Premonstratensian Canons
daughter of Tuam;
founded before 1224;
raised to abbey status c.1236;
dissolved after 1542?;
apparently the abbey was the most northerly of the ruins (known as 'the Nunnery') at Annaghdown;
dissolved 1562; granted to Richard, Earl of Clanricarde 1572;
granted to the warden and vicars of King's College, Galway 8 July 1578		 St John the Baptist de Cella Parva 53°23′18″N 9°04′19″W / 53.388342°N 9.071885°W
Annaghdown Abbey of St Mary Augustinian Canons and Canonesses Regular — Arroasian
founded after c.1140, possibly by Turlough O'Conor at the instance of St Malachy;
identification sometimes confused with the Premonstratensian foundation to the north;
dissolved before 1578, granted to Richard, Earl of Clanricarde 1562		 The Abbey of Saint Mary de Portu Patrum, Annaghdown 53°23′13″N 9°04′22″W / 53.386908°N 9.072736°W
Annaghdown Cathedral & Nunnery early monastic site, Gaelic nuns
founded 6th (before 578) century by St Brendan for his sister Briga, site traditionally granted by the King of Connacht;
Augustinian nuns — Arroaisian
adopted after 1144;
priory, dependent on Clonard;
integrated into the Abbey of St Mary de Portu Patrum c.1144;
episcopal diocesan cathedral before 1189 (and after 1152);
church of St Mary Evachdun, cum villa Kelgel confirmed to the Arroaisians of Clonard 1195;
dependent on Kilcreevannty from before 1223, church of St Mary Eanchduyn confirmed to the Arroasians of Kilcreevanty c.1123 and 1400;
diocese united with Tuam 1327;
canons and canonesses possibly shared the same church;
dissolved after 1223-4, nuns possibly transferred to Inishmaine		 Monastery of Lough Corrib;
Annadown;
Eanach-duine;
Enaghcoin;
Evachdun;
Lough Corrib;
Lough Orbsen 		53°23′16″N 9°04′16″W / 53.387721°N 9.071215°W
Annaghdown Friary erroneously listed as Franciscan Friars[notes 2]
Ardnabara Abbey
in Killimordaly parish		 possible monastic site — order, foundation and period unknown, "Ardnabara Abbey, in ruins"[notes 3] 53°19′18″N 8°34′45″W / 53.321697°N 8.579078°W (approx)
Ardrahan Monastery early monastic site;
stump of round tower[notes 4]		 Ard-rathain 53°09′28″N 8°48′25″W / 53.157718°N 8.806990°W
Athenry Priory Dominican Friars
founded 1241;
dissolved 1574; granted to the town;
reoccupied 1595;
Regular Observant
date unknown;
dissolved c.1597, burned with the town during hostilities;
friars granted a new site at Coilascail, infra;
became a university 1644;
site recovered by friars 1685, retained until the general exile 1698;
used as a barracks 18th century; (NM)		 The Priory Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul
____________________
Ath-na-riogh;
Ath-na-rig;
Anry 		53°17′54″N 8°44′40″W / 53.2982229°N 8.7444514°W
Athenry Friary ≈ erroneous reference to Franciscan Friars — mistaken identification of Adare Friary[notes 5]
Aughrim Priory early monastic site, founded before 741;
Augustinian Canons Regular - (?)Arroasian
founded before 1170? or 1220, doubtfully purportedy by a Butler (Theobald Walter, first Butler of Ireland[notes 6]), more likely by an O'Kelly, with a Butler as a later benefactor;
burned 1307;
dissolved c.1562?; granted to Richard, Earl of Clanricard;
Augustinian Friars		 St Catherine
____________________
Eachdruim;
Acharym-Omane;
Aghrim;
Achdrum;
Echraim
Enachdruim-Omane 		53°18′14″N 8°19′04″W / 53.303964°N 8.317761°W
Ballynahinch Friary Carmelite Friars
founded 1356 by O'Flaherty;
dissolved during the reign of Elizabeth I;
convent listed as re-established c.1737[notes 7]		 Baile-na-hinse;
Ballinhinceh;
Dalcaccense? 		53°27′43″N 9°52′05″W / 53.461890°N 9.868126°W (approx)
Ballynakill 'Abbey' "Abbey",[notes 8] "Ellomaine Graveyard"[notes 9] Ellomaine
Beagh Friary (Barony of Clare) Franciscan Friars, Third Order Regular
founded after 1441;
dissolved before 1585; granted to John Newton		 53°31′06″N 9°00′32″W / 53.518270°N 9.008971°W (approx)
Beagh Friary (Barony of Kiltartan) ≈ Franciscan Friars, Third Order Regular — erroneous reference to the friary in the Barony of Clare (see immediately above)
Boilean Clair Franciscan Friars Minor, Conventual — actually Claregalway — erronesously identified as a separate foundation[notes 10]
Boley Friary Dominican Friars — from Portumna
apparently founded early 18th century		 Boula;
Buaile 		53°08′05″N 8°43′06″W / 53.134826°N 8.718252°W (approx)
Caheradreen Monastery early monastic site 53°14′48″N 8°54′02″W / 53.246805°N 8.900535°W (approx)
Caltra Friary Carmelite Friars
founded not later than 1336 (c.1320) by the Berminghams, barons of Athenry;
dissolved 1589; granted to John Rawson 1589;
restored 1735 (c.1737);
closed c.1775		 Kaltragh-ne-Pallice
Caltragh Pallas;
Caltranapallice;
Caltra-ne-Pallas;
Callarense;
Kaltragh-;
Keal-;
Pallice;
Paileeshe 		53°14′48″N 8°54′02″W / 53.246805°N 8.900535°W
Claregalway Friary Franciscan Friars Minor, Conventual
founded before c.1252 by John de Colgan I;<ref group="notes" name="ClaregalwayFriary1>not John de Colgan II as suggested by Ware and others</ref>
dissolved 1542; granted to Richard de Burgo 1570;
friars remained
Observant Franciscan Friars
adopted 1567?;
dissolved c.1589, friars expelled by Sir Richard Bingham, who converted the buildings into barracks;
friars permitted use of part of the monastery until expelled again;
friars attempted to restore monastery after 1641;
chapel in use until 18th century; (NM)		 Claregalway Abbey;
Clair;
Baile-an-chlair;
Boilean-Clair;
Clar-dun-dunul 		53°20′48″N 8°56′41″W / 53.3468019°N 8.9446397°W
Cloghmore Monastery early monastic site, founded 6th century by St Colmcille Cloch-mor, in Killannin parish 53°13′43″N 9°31′26″W / 53.228723°N 9.523880°W (approx)
Clonfert Abbey Augustinian Canons Regular — Arroasian
founded after 1140, possibly by Turlogh O'Conor, at the instance of St Malachy;
dissolved 1571		 St Mary's de Porto Puro 53°14′24″N 8°03′28″W / 53.240134°N 8.057667°W
Clonfert Monastery Gaelic monks
founded before 577 or 583 by St Brendan the Navigator;
episcopal diocesan cathedral 1111		 Cluain-ferta-brenaind;
Cluain-ferden 		53°14′27″N 8°03′30″W / 53.2406959°N 8.0584259°W
Clonfert, Monygayun Abbey Augustinian nuns — Arroasian
founded after 1144;
dependent on Kilcreevanty from before 1223;
dissolved during the reign of Elizabeth I		 St Mary
Clonkeenkerrill Friary Franciscan Friars, Third Order Regular
founded c.1435 by Thomas O'Kelly, Bishop of Clonfert, converting the church into a friary at the instance of David and John Mullkerrill;
Franciscan Friars Minor, Conventual
refounded 1453, papal permission obtained by David Mullkerrill		 Cloonkeenkerrill;
'St. Kerrill's Abbey' 		53°22′59″N 8°34′51″W / 53.3831236°N 8.5808372°W
Clonkeenkerrill Monastery early monastic site Cluain-cain-cairill;
Cluain-caoin-cairiolla;
Cluacaen-Caeryll
Clontuskert Priory early monastic site, founded c.805 (before 809), by St Boedan;
Augustinian Canons Regular - Arroasian
founded after 1140, probably by the O'Kelly family;
dissolved 1562
Augustinian Friars
possibly restored 1637; (NM)		 The Priory Church of Saint Mary, Clontuskert
____________________
Clontuskert Abbey;
The Old Abbey;
Cluain-tuaiskirt-ua-maine;
Clontuskert-Omanny 		53°16′47″N 8°12′42″W / 53.279636°N 8.2115936°W
Cloonfush Monastery early monastic site, founded early 6th century by St Jarlath Cluain-fois [6]

53°30′55″N 8°54′05″W / 53.515205°N 8.901415°W (approx)
Cloonyvornoge Friary Franciscan Friars, Third Order Regular
founded after 1441;
dissolved 1585-6?; granted to John Newton 1597		 Clonnavarnoge;
Cowlevernoge
Cowleneringe 		53°29′28″N 9°05′36″W / 53.491141°N 9.093246°W (approx)
Coilascail Priory Dominican Friars
founded on a site granted by Ulrick Burke, Earl of Clanricarde
Creevaghbaun Friary Carmelite Friars
founded 1332 by a member of the de Burgos family;
dissolved 1574; granted to Thomas Lewis 1574;
restored c.1737		 Crevaghbane
Crevebane;
Craghbane;
Brenaghbane;
Kribaghbane 		53°29′28″N 8°46′37″W / 53.491007°N 8.777046°W (approx)
Currabeg Monastery monastic site, order, foundation and period unknown
Donaghpatrick Monastery early monastic site, founded by St Patrick Domnach-patraic;
Magna Saeoli 		53°28′44″N 9°02′18″W / 53.478788°N 9.038208°W (?)
Drumacoo Monastery early monastic site Druim-muccado;
Droma-Mucada 		53°11′55″N 8°54′17″W / 53.198661°N 8.904676°W
Dunmore Monastery misidentification of Donaghpatrick[notes 11]
Dunmore Priory early monastic site
Augustinian Friars
founded c.1423 (before 1425) by Walter Mor de Bermingham, 9th Baron Athenry;
dissolved 1569, friars remained in occupancy;
held by John Burke fitz Thomas 1574;
friars left in 1645, taking refuge at Mayfield		 Donmore Mac Oryshe;
Downemore;
Dominensis? 		53°37′13″N 8°44′31″W / 53.620412°N 8.742022°W
Eglish Friary Carmelite friars
founded 1393–1398;
possibly abandoned during the reign of Elizabeth;
possibly Franciscan Friars
dissolved 1579		 Monteceancohe;
Sleushancough;
Slewshancogh 		53°23′03″N 8°17′45″W / 53.384147°N 8.295708°W (approx)
Esker Friary Dominican Friars — Regular Observance
founded after 1622, site granted by Ulrick Burke, Earl of Clanricarde, at the request of the Provincial, Fr Ross Mageoghegan and other friars;
friars left 1860s		 Brosk;
Coilascail 		[7]
Esker Monastery Redemptorists [7]

53°16′56″N 8°40′55″W / 53.282215°N 8.681930°W
Fallig Friary ≈~ Franciscan Friars - probable confusion for Killeigh (Fallig), County Offaly[notes 12] Faghy;
Fahy
Galway Augustinian Friary Augustinian Friars
founded 1500 by Margaret Athy, at the request of Richard Nagle;
dissolved before 1578; leased to the town 1578;
demolished 1652 in order to use the strategic position of the site		 53°16′17″N 9°02′49″W / 53.271320°N 9.047075°W
Galway Augustinian Friary *, later site Augustinian Friars;
church opened 4 September 1859;
extant		 [8]

53°16′19″N 9°03′08″W / 53.272053°N 9.052101°W
Galway Carmelite Priory Carmelite Friars
founded c.1332? possibly by a member of the de Burgo family;
dissolved after 1648
Galway Dominican Nunnery, first site Dominican nuns
founded 1644 in Augustine Street;
exiled by the Cromwellians 1652;
returned in 1686 to a house in Kirwan's Lane (see below)		 53°16′19″N 9°03′08″W / 53.271816°N 9.052252°W
Galway Dominican Nunnery, second site Dominican nuns
founded 1686 in Kirwan's Lane;
expelled on a number of occasions 1691
convent, known as The Slate House, in use as barracks for British soldiers;
fell into disrepair;
destroyed by fire 1842		 53°16′17″N 9°03′17″W / 53.271424°N 9.054644°W
Galway Dominican Nunnery *, current site Dominican nuns
founded March 1845 on Taylors Hill, country house known as 'Mount Eaton' or 'Seaview', previously owned by the Sloper family;
extant		 [9]

53°16′05″N 9°04′43″W / 53.268165°N 9.078548°W
Galway Franciscan Friary * Franciscan Friars
built 1660;
re-built 1781; extant		 [10]

53°16′34″N 9°03′17″W / 53.2759794°N 9.054746°W
Galway Franciscan Nunnery Franciscan nuns, (?)Third Order
founded 1511, church of St Nicholas purportedly granted by Walter Lynch to his daughter;
dissolved during the reign of Elizabeth I		 St Nicholas;
____________________
The house of the poor nuns of St Francis
Galway Friary Franciscan Friars Minor, Conventual
founded 1296 by William de Burgo;
Observant Franciscan Friars
reformed 1460, and again before 1520;
Conventuals and Observants apparently continued together, the latter in the minority;
Conventuals attempted to evict Observants 1533 but were overruled;
dissolved 1550;
reoccupied during the reign of Queen Mary;
leased to the mayor and townsmen c.1569, renewed 1578;
community apparently extant until 1583 when the friars left and church burnt;
returned 1612 and rebuilt the church;
destroyed 1657;
converted into a court house;
current court house on site		 [11]

53°16′31″N 9°03′15″W / 53.275280°N 9.054121°W
Galway Priory possibly formerly a hospital administered by the Premonstratensians
Premonstratensian Canons
daughter of Tuam;
founded 1235, church purportedly granted to Tuam by the O'Halleran family;
dissolved before 1451: relegated to chapel;
left empty for a significant period by 1480;
Dominican Friars
founded 1488, granted license by Innocent III;
dissolved 1570; granted to the town corporation;
possibly a vicariate of Athenry, raised to priory status 1612;
dissolved 1651		 Blessed Virgin Mary extra Muros;
St Mary on the Hill 		53°16′06″N 9°03′23″W / 53.268248°N 9.056527°W
Gortnabishaun Monastery,
Kilconla parish		 early monastic site 53°32′32″N 9°01′36″W / 53.542348°N 9.026642°W
Gorumna Island,
Killanin parish		 early monastic site, "abbey"[notes 13] Gailimh;
Galvia;
Ngaillim;
Bun-Gaillmhs;
Bongal 		[12]

53°14′09″N 9°41′56″W / 53.235864°N 9.698954°W
Grange Cistercian monks
grange of Boyle		 Grainsearchmhaonmhai;
Grange of Mowyny
High Island Monastery early monastic site, founded before 665 by St Fechin Ardoilen;
Cellgradhaandomhain 		53°32′39″N 10°15′44″W / 53.544133°N 10.262089°W
Illaunmore Monastery Historical county location. See List of monastic houses in County Clare
Inchiquin Monastery early monastic site, founded before 626 by St Brendan the Navigator Inis-mac-ui-chuind;
Insi-ui-chuinn;
Inisquin 		53°27′48″N 9°14′16″W / 53.463340°N 9.237860°W
Inishark Monastery early monastic site Inisairc 53°36′22″N 10°16′04″W / 53.606002°N 10.267668°W
Inishbofin Monastery early monastic site, Gaelic monks
founded 7th century by St Coleman
supposed Benedictine monks — evidence lacking;
suggested Augustinian Canons Regular during the reign of Henry VIII — evidence lacking		 Inis-bofine;
Bophin Island 		53°36′56″N 10°11′20″W / 53.6154609°N 10.1887572°W
Inisheer Monastery
Aran Islands		 early monastic site Ada-airthir;
Ara-coemhain;
Airdne-coimhain;
Ardcoenmain? 		53°03′35″N 9°32′11″W / 53.059800°N 9.536519°W
Inishlackan Friary purported Franciscan Friars[notes 14]
Inishmaan Monastery
Aran Islands		 early monastic site, two churches under the parish of St Enda, Inishmore Inismedhon;
Middle Island 		53°04′52″N 9°35′42″W / 53.081169°N 9.595077°W
Inishmicatreer Monastery early monastic site;
"Abbey in ruins"[notes 15]		 'Inishmicatreer Abbey' ;
Inish-mictreer 		53°29′57″N 9°15′01″W / 53.499266°N 9.250311°W
Inishmore Monastery
Aran Islands		 early monastic site, purportedly granted to St Enda, aided by St Ailbe of Emly, by Oengus, King of Munster
Franciscan Friars, Third Order Regular[notes 16] or First Order[notes 17]
founded after 1484, founder unknown;[notes 18] First Order possibly transferred to the Third Order after 1560;
dissolved ? (during the reign of Elizabeth I?), abandoned during the religious persecution		 Ara-na-naemh;
Ara-Enda;
Killenda;
Na Seacht dTeampaill;
(The Seven Churches) 		53°07′19″N 9°40′07″W / 53.121989°N 9.668747°W
Inishnee Monastery early monastic site, founded before 768 Inis-eidnigh? 53°23′34″N 9°54′06″W / 53.392798°N 9.901600°W
Kilbennan Monastery early monastic site, Gaelic monks
founded by St Benignus (Benen), a disciple of St Patrick		 Cell-beneoin;
Dun Lughaid 		53°32′19″N 8°53′31″W / 53.538749°N 8.892001°W
Kilboght Friary Franciscan Friars, Third Order Regular
founded before 1507 by Hugo de Wall;
dissolved after 1564; granted to Richard, Earl of Clanricarde		 Kil-bought;
kil-bout
Kilcolgan Monastery,
Kilmacduagh diocese		 early monastic site, founded before c.580;
erenagh until at least 1132;
burned during war 1258
Kilcolgan Monastery,
Clonfert diocese?		 early monastic site, founded 6th century by St Colmcille for Colgan (possibly same as immediately above) Cell-colgain
Kilcommedan Monastery early monastic site Cell-comadan 53°17′19″N 8°19′01″W / 53.288616°N 8.317080°W 
(approx)
Kilconla Monastery early monastic site, founded reputedly by St Conlat Cell-connla;
Kilconly 		53°35′21″N 8°59′53″W / 53.589162°N 8.998135°W
Kilconnell Friary Franciscan Friars
founded 1414 (1353 or c.1353) by William O'Kelly, Lord of Ui Maine; dissolved 1541;
on the site of an earlier monastery (see immediately below); (NM)		 Cell-chonaill;
Kilconail 		[13]

53°19′58″N 8°24′03″W / 53.332705°N 8.400807°W
Kilconnell Monastery early monastic site, founded 6th century by St Conall
Kilcoona Monastery early monastic site, founded by St Colmcille, site granted by Tibrades, son of Prince Maelduin, built by St Cuanna (Cuannach) Cellcuannathe;
Kilcoonagh 		53°26′35″N 9°01′59″W / 53.443021°N 9.033160°W
Kilcorban Friary Dominican Friars
dependent on Athenry;
founded 1446;
dissolved during the reign of Elizabeth I(?);
site now occupied by St Corban's Church		 Kilcarbain 53°07′31″N 8°18′22″W / 53.125176°N 8.306072°W
Kilcreevanty Abbey Benedictine nuns
founded c.1200, chapel granted by Thomas de Burgo;
Augustinian nuns — Arroasian
refounded 1223;
dissolved 1543		 The Holy Rosary;
The Blessed Virgin of the Holy Rosary
____________________
Cell-craobhnat;
Kil-creunata;
Kil-crevet;
Casta Silva;
Chaste Wood 		53°33′48″N 8°54′14″W / 53.563267°N 8.903778°W
Kilcummin Monastery ~ early monastic site, founded by St Coeman Kill-choemain;
Cell-coemain 		53°14′26″N 9°45′31″W / 53.240564°N 9.758606°W (vaguely)
Kilkilvery Monastery early monastic site;
erenaghs until at least 11th century;
later passed to the Fratres Cruciferi of Castledermot		 Cell-cillbile 53°28′27″N 9°06′26″W / 53.474255°N 9.107323°W (approx)
Killamanagh Priory early monastic site;
Premonstratensian Canons
daughter of Annaghdown;
founded 1260 by an abbot of St John de Cella Parva, Annaghdown;
dissolved c.1542?, probably suppressed		 St Mary de Cella Parva
Cellnamanagh;
Kilnamanoch;
Killinimanach;
Cella Parva St Mary
Cell-coemain 		53°30′05″N 9°03′04″W / 53.501420°N 9.051055°W
Killeely Monastery early monastic site 53°12′33″N 8°51′25″W / 53.209242°N 8.857003°W (approx)
Killeenmunterlane Monastery early monastic site 53°11′54″N 8°53′14″W / 53.198436°N 8.887146°W (approx)
Killower Monastery early monastic site;
erenaghs 11th century		 Killawyr 53°30′47″N 8°57′14″W / 53.513062°N 8.953900°W
Killursa Monastery early monastic site, founded by St Fursa (Fursey);
eranaghs at least to 11th century;
church passed to the Fratres Cruciferi of Castledermot		 Cell-fursa;
Rathmat;
Rathmath;
Rathmuighe 		53°28′04″N 9°08′42″W / 53.467747°N 9.144884°W
Kilmacduagh Monastery early monastic site, founded 6th-7th century by St Colman son of Duagh on land granted by Guaire, King
ruined by William Fitz Adelm de Burgo early 13th century;
episcopal diocesan cathedral 11th century;
Augustinian Canons Regular
founded 1225-50;
dissolved 1584; granted to Richard, Earl of Clanricarde		 St Mary de Petra
____________________
Cell-mic-duaich;
Duaca;
Kil-macough 		53°02′53″N 8°53′17″W / 53.0480262°N 8.8880253°W
Kilmeen Monastery early monastic site Cell-mian 53°12′19″N 8°29′51″W / 53.205261°N 8.497496°W
Kilmurry Friary Franciscan Friars
given as Dominican Friars<ref group="notes" name="Kilmurry1>H. T. Knox, Notes on Early History of Dioceses of Tuam, Killala and Achonry, 1904, p.296</ref>		 Cell-mhuire;
Kilmurray 		53°34′09″N 8°41′22″W / 53.569065°N 8.689531°W
Kilreekill Monastery early monastic site, nuns
reputedly founded by St Patrick for his sister Richella		 Cell-richill 53°13′49″N 8°27′13″W / 53.230290°N 8.453722°W
Kiltiernan Monastery early monastic site Cell-tighernain 53°11′17″N 8°50′33″W / 53.188023°N 8.842610°W
Kiltullagh Monastery early monastic site;
possibly not continuing after 10th century		 Cell-tulach-mhaonmhai 53°18′47″N 8°57′18″W / 53.313083°N 8.955059°W (approx)
Kinalehin Friary,
nr Abbey		 Carthusian monks — possibly from Hinton
founded c.1252 by John de Cogan I;
purportedly destroyed 1279 and if so, rebuilt soon after;
sold to the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem 1306 - the Knights appear to have held appurtenances, though the sale appears never to have completed;
dissolved by General Chapter the Grande Chartreuse 1321;
abandoned by the monks c.1341;
Franciscan Friars Minor, Conventual
refounded c.1371 by the de Burgos, granted by the Pope;
destroyed after the general suppression; purchased from Elizabeth I by Richard de Burgo (Rufus), Earl of Clanricarde, who retained it for the friars
dissolved before 1609;
Observant Franciscan Friars
refounded 1611;
dissolved after 1642;
friars probably expelled under the Cromwellians;
returned during the reign of Charles II		 Abbey;
Kilnalahan;
Kinaleghin;
Kenaloyn;
Cenel-Feichin;
Cineoil-Feichin;
Kilnalekin;
Kinelfeichin 		[14]

53°06′10″N 8°23′39″W / 53.1026822°N 8.3940697°W
Kinvarra Monastery early monastic site, patron St Coman Ceamm-mhara;
Cenn-mara 		53°08′21″N 8°56′13″W / 53.139305°N 8.936992°W
Knockmoy Abbey Cistercian monks — from Boyle
founded 1190 by Cathal Crobderg O'Conor, King of Connacht;
dissolved 1542, surrendered by Abbot Hugh O'Kelly 24 May 1542, though a secularised form of monasticism apparently continued; let to Andrew Brereton for 21 years, 1566;
part granted to Nicholas FitzSymons 1568;
QE		 Abbeyknockmoy Abbey;
Collis Victoriae;
Cnoc-muaidhe;
Knockmuighe;
Mainister-cnoc-muaide 		53°26′26″N 8°44′33″W / 53.440519°N 8.742571°W
Kylemore Abbey Benedictine monks
mansion now serves as convent boarding school		 53°33′42″N 9°53′22″W / 53.561724°N 9.889439°W
Lissonuffy Cell Historical county location. See List of monastic houses in County Roscommon
Loughrea Priory Carmelite Friars
founded c.1300 by Richard de Burgo, Earl of Ulster;
dissolved before 1541; granted to Richard, Earl of Clanricarde 1652;
friars permitted to remain;
Teresian (Discalced) Carmelites
occupied intermittently from 1640		 St Mary
____________________
Loch-riach;
Laughreagh;
Lough-Reogh;
Balliloc riagh 		53°11′56″N 8°34′08″W / 53.199°N 8.569°W
Loughrea Abbey * Discalced Carmelite Friars
founded 19th century;
extant		 53°12′01″N 8°34′13″W / 53.200405°N 8.570168°W
Maghee Monastery ~ early monastic site, possibly County Galway, location unidentified Mag-Cé;
Magele;
Magelle;
Magtriudi 		location unknown
Mayfield Augustinian Friars refuge from Dunmore 1645
Meelick Friary + Franciscan Friars Minor, Conventual
founded 1414, mandate to license a Franciscan foundation issued to the Bishop of Clonfert by the Pope;
Observant Franciscan Friars
refounded 1479;
dissolved 1559, suppressed and ruined;
restored 1595;
dissolved after 1595; granted to the Earl of Clanricarde;
church and buildings largely destroyed by c.1616;
Observant Franciscan Friars 1680, intermittently until 1852;
now R.C. church		 Mil-eagh;
Miliuc;
Milick;
Mykescin 		53°10′25″N 8°05′08″W / 53.173600°N 8.085498°W
Monasternalea Monastery early monastic site
erroneously purportedly Franciscan Friars,[notes 19] — reliable evidence lacking		 Abbey Grey Monastery;
Abbeygrey Monastery;
Mainistir na Liath;
Kilmore-ne-togher? 		53°33′29″N 8°21′56″W / 53.5580536°N 8.3655739°W
Moor Abbey,
parish of Athenry		 Cistiercian monks?
possibly chapel of Moor Aughrim at a grange of Knockmoy
Omey Monastery early monastic site, founded 7th century by St Fechin of Fore with the aid of King Guare;
ruins excavated and re-sited by archaeologists in 1990s		 Iomaidh;
Immagh;
Temple-feheen 		53°32′08″N 10°10′31″W / 53.535506°N 10.175411°W

(ruins re-sited at 53°32′02″N 10°09′26″W / 53.533906°N 10.157118°W)

Portumna Friary Dominican monks
founded before 1414 by Murchad? O'Madden, Lord, on the site of the Cistercian monks' priory (see immediately below);
dissolved c.1582; granted to the Earls of Clanricarde 1582;
part used as C.I. church 1631;
choir became C.I. church 1762;
Observant
refounded before 1426		 The Friary Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Portumna
____________________
Portumna Abbey 		53°05′10″N 8°13′03″W / 53.086075°N 8.217595°W
Portumna Priory Cistercian monks
chapel, dependent on Dunbrody;
founded 1254;
became disused;
Dominican friary founded on site (see immediately above)		 The Priory Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Portumna
____________________
Portumna Abbey;
Portomna;
Portompria
Rafwee Monastery early monastic site, coarb 11th century Raithbuidhe 53°26′55″N 9°04′13″W / 53.448500°N 9.070330°W (approx)
Rathmagh Monastery early monastic site, founded 6th century by St Brendan of Clonfert Raithmaige 53°27′04″N 9°10′38″W / 53.451005°N 9.177361°W (approx)
Roscam Monastery early monastic site, founded before 779;
destroyed by the Danes 807		 Ros-chaim;
Ros-camm
Ross Errilly Friary Franciscan Friars Minor, Conventual
founded 1351 (1431) by Raymond de Burgo;
Observant Franciscan Friars
reformed 1470 (1498) by the Grannard family (William, Lord Grannard?);
dissolved 1562; granted to the Earl of Clanricarde by Elizabeth I 1562;
friars afforded protection by Clanricarde
friars left before 1580;
re-established by Clanricarde 1580;
expelled by Protestants and English soldiers 1580;
occupied by English soldiers 1596;
friars reinstated before 1601;
abandoned by friars to escape imprisonment;
reinstated 1611 by Clanricarde;
expelled 1612;
returned 1626 and 1641;
abandoned 1656;
reoccupied and repaired 1664;
abandoned after 1688;
returned 1712;
possibly expelled 1731;
returned 1753, restored by Lord St George;
dissolved 1832;
ruinous by 1835; (NM)		 Ross;
Ross-erelly;
Ross-eriall;
Ros-traily;
Ros-oirbealaigh;
Ruisairbhealaigh;
Iriala 		53°28′47″N 9°07′54″W / 53.479707°N 9.131543°W
Rosshill Monastery early monastic site, reputedly founded by St Brendan of Clonfert;
"'Abbey' site"[notes 20]		 Teampull Brandon 53°33′15″N 9°22′07″W / 53.554185°N 9.368495°W
Roundstone Monastery Historical photo;
Historical photo		 Franciscan Friars, Third Order Regular
founded 1835;
site redeveloped		 53°23′32″N 9°54′59″W / 53.392168°N 9.916368°W
St Macdara's Island Monastery early emeritical monastic site, founded by St (Sionnach) Mac Dara Cruach Macdara;
Cruanacara 		[15]

53°18′12″N 9°55′05″W / 53.303390°N 9.918079°W
Templemoyle-Kiltullagh Friary Franciscan Friars, Third Order Regular
founded after 1441;
dissolved 1595; granted to Edmond Barrett		 Tombmoyle 53°20′19″N 8°41′39″W / 53.338717°N 8.694088°W
Tisaxon Friary Franciscan Friars, Third Order Regular
founded before 1442, mandate issued to the Bishop of Ballysadare by the Pope;
dissolved 1574; granted to Thomas Lewes 5 April 1574		 Teagh-saxon;
Theascaston;
Trachsasson cf. Templegal 		53°20′31″N 8°42′10″W / 53.342054°N 8.702792°W
Toghergar Friary purported Franciscan Friars — reliable evidence lacking
Toombeola Abbey Dominican Friars
dependent on Athenry;
apparently founded after January 1427 by Chieftain O'Flaherty, when papal license obtained to build a monastery;
dubiously suggested Augustinian Friars - Dominicans possibly gave shelter to friars of other orders in penal periods
dissolved after 1558; seized by the Protestants
reoccupied 18th century		 St Patrick
____________________
Tuaim-beola;
Tom-beola;
Tum-beola 		53°25′52″N 9°51′52″W / 53.431245°N 9.864462°W
Tuam Monastery + early monastic site, founded 6th century by St Jarlath (Iarlath);
episcopal diocesan cathedral 1111; extant		 53°30′55″N 8°50′51″W / 53.5153073°N 8.8473845°W
Tuam Augustinian Abbey Augustinian Canons Regular — Arroasian
priory or hospital founded c.1140 by Turlogh O'Connor;
raised to abbey status c.1360?;
dissolved c.1562, c.1572; granted to Richard, Earl of Clanricarde;
Augustinian Friars
refounded		 St John the Evangelist
____________________
St John in the suburbs
Tuam Friary Fratres Cruciferi
founded 1140 by an O'Connor
Tuam Nunnery purported nuns or Premonstratensian Canonesses — evidence lacking;
a tenement owned by the Arroasian nuns of Kilcrevanty existed in Tuam (Tuaym) 1223-4
Tuam Premonstratensian Abbey Premonstratensian Canons
daughter of Cockersand?;
founded 1203-4?;
revived from Prémontre? 1217-8?;
burned with the town and other churches 1244;
dissolved c.1574		 The Holy Trinity
____________________
Tuaim-da-ghuallann;
Tuaim-da-gualand;
Tuaim-da-valuin 		53°30′52″N 8°51′11″W / 53.514440°N 8.853157°W
Tuam Abbey of the Scrin ≈ order, foundation and period unknown — listed 1574; the church of the Shrine apparently adjacent to the cathedral — possible reference to the vicars' college or Fratres Cruciferi

Glossary


Map link to lists of monastic houses in Ireland by county

List of monastic houses in County Kerry List of monastic houses in County Antrim List of monastic houses in County Londonderry List of monastic houses in County Down List of monastic houses in County Armagh List of monastic houses in County Louth List of monastic houses in County Tyrone List of monastic houses in County Wexford List of monastic houses in County Dublin List of monastic houses in County Wicklow List of monastic houses in County Monaghan List of monastic houses in County Donegal List of monastic houses in County Fermanagh List of monastic houses in County Waterford List of monastic houses in County Cork List of monastic houses in County Limerick List of monastic houses in County Clare List of monastic houses in County Carlow List of monastic houses in County Kilkenny List of monastic houses in County Laois List of monastic houses in County Tipperary List of monastic houses in County Meath List of monastic houses in County Kildare List of monastic houses in County Cavan List of monastic houses in County Leitrim List of monastic houses in County Sligo List of monastic houses in County Roscommon List of monastic houses in County Galway List of monastic houses in County Longford List of monastic houses in County Westmeath List of monastic houses in County Offaly List of monastic houses in County Mayo List of monastic houses in County MayoA map of Ireland showing traditional county borders and names with Northern Ireland counties colored tan, all other counties colored green
Click on a county to go to the corresponding article

Notes

  1. ↑ Ordnance Survey
  2. ↑ Louis Augustin Alemand, Monasticum Hibernicum, translated and edited by John Stevens, 1722, pp.280, 234-5, mistakes Nenagh/Aonagh (Annagh/Enach) for Annaghdown, error replicated by others
  3. ↑ Ordnance Survey
  4. ↑ Lord Killanin & M. V. Duignan, Shell Guide to Ireland 1962, new edition 1967
  5. ↑ Wadding
  6. ↑ Harris's Table, in Ware-Harris, Antiquitie, 1745
  7. ↑ Arch. Ord. Rome (Carmelite order), SM. II, C.O.. II. 26, p.13 (compiled 1739-59)
  8. ↑ Ordnance Survey ½ inch;
  9. ↑ Ordnance Survey 6 inch;
  10. ↑ Louis Augustin Alemand, Monasticum Hibernicum, translated and edited by John Stevens, 1722, p.281 and Mervyn Archdall, Monasticon Hibernicum, 1786, p.277
  11. ↑ Mervyn Archdall, Monasticon Hibernicum, 1786, p.231 mistakenly states Dunmore Friary was located on the site of an early monastery
  12. ↑ Mervyn Archdall, Monasticon Hibernicum, 1786, p.285 suggests Fallig (given as Observant Franciscans by Louis Augustin Alemand, Monasticum Hibernicum, translated and edited by John Stevens, 1722, p.289) is Faghy, County Galway
  13. ↑ Ordnance Survey
  14. ↑ Lord Killanin & M. V. Duignan, Shell Guide to Ireland, 1962 (1967 edition), p.414
  15. ↑ Ordnance Survey
  16. ↑ Analecta Hibernica (Irish Manuscript Commission) No.6, November 1934 (OFM), i, p.104
  17. ↑ Analecta Hibernica (Irish Manuscript Commission) No.6, November 1934 (OFM), i, p.27
  18. ↑ Analecta Hibernica (Irish Manuscript Commission) No.6, November 1934 (OFM), ii, p.161
  19. ↑ Canice Mooney, The Franciscans in Ireland, Terminus (Mar-Apr 1956), p.143;
  20. ↑ Ordnance Survey

References

  1. ↑ Topographical Dictionary of Ireland: Samuel Lewis, 1837: Abbeygormagan - From Ireland - Irish Ancestry, Genealogy & Family History
  2. ↑
  3. ↑ Ahascragh West (Castlegar) in county Galway
  4. ↑ A Topographical Dictionary of Great Britain and Ireland: Compiled from Local ... - John Gorton - Google Books
  5. ↑ List of abbeys, priories, nunneries, hospitals, and other religious ... - William Cobbett - Google Books
  6. ↑ Cloonfush in county Galway
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Redemptorists Galway – Esker | A Redemptorist Ireland Website
  8. ↑ Augustinians In Galway | Our History
  9. ↑ Kennys Bookshop & Art Gallery - Old Galway with Tom Kenny - THE DOMINICAN NUNS AT TAYLORS HILL
  10. ↑
  11. ↑
  12. ↑ Connemara, Gorumna Island, in county Galway
  13. ↑ Kilconnell Friary, County Galway - National Monuments Service
  14. ↑ The Carthusians in Ireland
  15. ↑ St Macdara’s Island in county Galway

See also