Clontuskert Augustinian Priory
West Ireland | County Galway
The ruins of Augustinian Priory of St Mary also known as Clontuskert Abbey is located 5 km south from Ballinasloe (just off road R355) in County Galway. It was founded in the 12th century by Turlough O'Connor (King of Connaught) on the site of an earlier monastery established in the 7th century by St Baeden but there are no surviving remains from that period. Clontuskert Abbey was burnt at the beginning of the 15th century and the standing ruins are mostly of the late 15th century reconstruction. After the dissolution of churches by King Henry VIII in 16th century, monastery was granted to the Burke family, and in 1637 regranted again to the monks, who appear to have remained in the priory until the end of the 17th century. The remaining ruins consist of a nave and chancel church with the remains of the cloister and domestic building. There are many skillfully made carvings spread on the walls of the monastery among which the most impressive is the west doorway depicting the weighing of souls by St Michael the Archangel and characters of St John the Baptist, St Catherine and the Bishop.
- OPENING HOURS AND TICKETS :
- Freely accessible
- CAR PARK :
- Yes
Photos from Clontuskert Augustinian Priory
