Ross Errilly Friary. Panorama by Joshua Albers, May 26, 2013.
Ross Errilly Friary is probably
the best preserved Franciscan monastery in Ireland; it is also one of the
largest. Yet the site is curiously absent
from many guidebooks and harder to find than more tourist-ready destinations. As a result, we found
it gloriously uncrowded.
Founded in 1351, the monastery was enlarged in 1498 and ultimately abandoned in 1753. Now left largely unguarded, the remains sit beside a slim stream amongst sprawling cattle pastures.
Founded in 1351, the monastery was enlarged in 1498 and ultimately abandoned in 1753. Now left largely unguarded, the remains sit beside a slim stream amongst sprawling cattle pastures.
The central cloister demarcates
the boundaries of the more private spaces of the monks’ former living quarters
from the church and bell tower. The domestic sections include a bakery, kitchen
(complete with a water tank for live fish), dining hall, and, on the upper
floors, dormitories. The presence of more recent graves throughout the building
suggests that the entire structure is still on consecrated ground.
Photo by Joshua Albers, May 26, 2013.
Photo by Joshua Albers, May 26, 2013.
Photos by Renée DeVoe Mertz, unless otherwise stated. May 26, 2013.
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