CREEVELEA FRIARY

Map Reference: G798314

This Franciscan Friary was founded by Owen O'Rourke in 1508 and was the last Franciscan Friary to be founded in Ireland before the Suppression of the Monasteries. The church has a nave, choir, tower and south transept. There are well preserved E and W windows. There is a N cloister with extensive domestic buildings surrounding it. The friary was accidentally burned in 1536 and was probably not fully repaired before the Suppression. It was still in use in 1574 but was taken over and used as stables in 1590. The Franciscans returned in the 17th century but were forced to leave by the Cromwellians.