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Monastic Sites

Discover Ireland's ancient monasteries and abbeys that shaped the spiritual landscape

Monastic Site Mayo

Turlough Abbey

Founded: 5th century

Order: Early Irish

Early monastic site, possibly founded in the 5th century by St Patrick; probably ceased to be monastic long before church pillaged by Mac William 1236

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Monastic Site Westmeath

Tyfarnham Monastery

Founded: before 880

Order: Early Irish

Early monastic site, founded before 880

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Monastic Site Armagh

Tynan Abbey

Gaelic monks founded before 1072; mansion named Fairview built on site c. 1750; remodelled in the monastic-gothic style, residence of the Stronge family; part in use by the Royal Ulster…

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Monastic Site Kilkenny

Ullard Monastery

early monastic site, founded before 670 by St Fiachra high cross (9th c.) and ruined church (12th c.)

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Monastic Site Mayo

Urlaur Abbey

Founded: c. 1430

Order: Dominican

Dominican monks founded c. 1430 by the Angulo (Nagle) family (later assuming the name MacCostello), papal license granted 1434; dissolved 1612; granted to Sir Edward Fisher; later granted to Lord…

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Monastic Site Cavan

Urney Monastery

Gaelic monks; remains purported to be a church of the Bishop of Triburna (Kilmore)[notes 21]

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Monastic Site Westmeath

Usnagh Monastery

Founded: 5th century

Order: Early Irish

Early monastic site, a cloister founded 5th century by St Patrick; demolished when he was driven away

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Monastic Site Meath

Villa Britone

Order: Unknown

Given in taxation of 1302-6 — yet to be identified – foundation, order and period unknown

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Monastic Site Waterford

Waterford — St Catherine’s Priory

Founded: before 1207

Order: Augustinian

Augustinian Canons Regular — Victorine founded before 1207 by Elias Fitz Norman; dissolved 1539, surrendered by Prior Edmund Power; occupied by James Shurloke, per James White; granted to Lady Elizabeth…

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Monastic Site Waterford

Waterford — St John’s Priory Hospital

Founded: c.1190

Order: Benedictine

Benedictine monks founded c.1190 Benedictine monks and nuns from 1202; cell dependent on Bath from 1204; dissolved 1536; granted to William Wise November 1536

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Monastic Site Waterford

Waterford — St Saviour’s Priory

Founded: 1226

Order: Dominican

Dominican Friars community founded 1226; approval for priory granted by Henry III 1235 dissolved 1540; church sold to James White, occupier, by 18 January 1541; surrendered by Prior William Marten…

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Monastic Site Waterford

Waterford Cathedral

Founded: 1096

Order: Unknown

Monastic episcopal cathedral founded 1096; diocesan cathedral 1111; see united to Lismore 1363

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