Monastic Sites
Discover Ireland's ancient monasteries and abbeys that shaped the spiritual landscape
Ratass Cathedral Monastery
early monastic site, founded 6th century; probably continuing after 1111; episcopal diocesan cathedral founded 1111, church elevated to cathedral status by the Synod of Rathbreasail; translated to Ardfert before 1117
Rath Monastery (Irish: Mainistir na Rátha)
Gaelic monks founded by St Blathmac; stump of round tower demolished 1838
Rath Monastery (Irish: Mainistir na Rátha)
Gaelic monks founded by St Blathmac; stump of round tower demolished 1838
Rath-becain Monastery
Order: Early Irish
Early monastic site, founded by St Abban; possibly located in County Meath
Rathbride Camera
Order: Knights Templar
Knights Templar founded 13th century; dissolved 1308; passed to Knights Hospitallers, but exchanged with Thomas Fitx John, Earl of Kildare 1318, rectory retained by Hospitallers
Rathfran Priory
Founded: 1274
Order: Dominican
Dominican Friars founded 1274, purportedly by a de Exeter (Dexter), possibly Steven de Exeter or Sir Richard de Exeter, or by a de Burgo, possibly William de Burgo; dissolved 1590,…
Rathkeale Priory
Founded: c.1280
Order: Augustinian
Augustinian Canons Regular founded c.1280 by Gilbert Hervey; dissolved 1541; granted to Sir Henry Wallop 1595
Rathlihen Monastery
Founded: before c.540
Order: Early Irish
Early monastic site, founded before c.540 by St Illand