Kilconnell Friary
West Ireland | County Galway
Kilconnell Franciscan Friary is located in the east part of County Galway, about 13 km west of Ballinasloe (M6 exit 14 or 15). It was founded in 1353, by William O'Kelly, on the site of a 6th-century monastery built by St Conall. In 1460, friars adopted the Observantine rule of the order. In 1541, after the Dissolution of the Monasteries under King Henry VIII, Kilconnell Friary was suspended. Sometime later Franciscans came back but in a much smaller number. In 1616, there were only 6 friars left, and by the end of the 17th century, they were finally expelled. Ruins consist of a church with nave, choir, south transept with aisle, tower, cloister and some domestic buildings. There are a few noteworthy tombs (including the tomb of the O'Kelly sept) as well as some fine stonemasons works.
- OPENING HOURS AND TICKETS :
- Freely accessible
- COORDINATES :
- 53.333157, -8.401004
- CAR PARK :
- Roadside