Abbey

On slightly raised ground, just above former flood plains of River Robe. Founded c. 1312, probably by Elizabeth de Clare; first Augustinian house in Connaught. Buildings repaired in 1400 and 1431. Friars in occupation in 1574 and again after rebellion of 1641 (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 296). Had its own seal (now in the British Museum). Excavated prior to restoration and conservation (1990-1994) by FAS/LMLCTA. Church (7.1m N-S; 34.6m E-W) consists of a nave and chancel; parts of W doorway with rope fluting are original while window overhead was retrieved from E gable. E tracery window not original; reconstructed based on original fragments. On S wall are two piscinia and a sedilia. Also on S wall, splayed windows contain two distinct mason marks. Building of unknown function on NE external corner of church; accessed through doorway and steps in N wall. Much of S aisle surviving with narrow doorway connecting it to nave; contains piscina. Narrow doorway on N wall gives access to square side chapel with widely splayed embrasure containing narrow light. Cross slab (MA118-022012-) found beneath W doorway during excavations. Surrounded by graveyard (MA118-022003-). The above description has been derived from D. Lavelle (compiler), An Archaeological Survey of Ballinrobe and District including Lough Mask and Lough Carra. Lough Mask and Lough Carra Tourist Development Association (1994), No. 638. Date of upload: 14 November 2013

Founded around 1312, likely by Elizabeth de Clare, Abbey, Friarsquarter West was the first Augustinian house in Connaught. It was dedicated to the Augustinian order and held significance as an early monastic foundation in the region.