Burrishoole Friary

On the shores of Clew Bay near Newport are the ruins of Burrishoole Abbey, a Dominican Friary dedicated to St. Mary and founded by Richard de Burgo in 1470. Richard entered the order himself and lived there until his death in 1473. In 1580 the abbey was fortified and garrisoned by Sir Nicholas Malby, Governor of Connaught. The ruins consist of a church, south transept and the remains of a cloister. At the division of the nave and chancel is a tower, in the vault of which can be seen two holes for the ropes of the bells. At the east end of the chancel is a fine tracery window. At the apex of the window on the outside is the carved head of an abbot. The outer wall of the cloister survives along the north and west, and has several gun loops from the time the abbey was fortified by Sir Nicholas Malby. In the south transept is the altar tomb of David Kelly, who died in 1623, and his wife Annabel Barrett. In the nave is the grave of Father Manus Sweeney who was hanged for his part in the 1798 rebellion. Please note that many of these monuments may be on private land and may not be publicly accessible. When setting out to visit monuments please ensure that you wear appropriate footwear and clothing. Access to monuments without Visitor Services may be across uneven ground which may not be suitable for everyone and, in particular, wheelchair users.