Abbey (in Ruins)

In centre of graveyard (CO112-03302-); St. Mary's Carmelite priory, founded by Robert fitz Richard Balrain in 1334; in 1541 jurors reported the existence of 'church with belfry, cloister, hall and other buildings' (Gwynn and Hadcock 1988, 290). Extensively damaged in 1601 during siege of Kinsale; temporary chapel erected 1633 but abandoned 1653 (Gillan and Hurley 1978, 33); convent 'was existing c. 1737' (Gwynn and Hadcock ibid) and the Prior made Town almoner in 1741 (Mulcahy 1968, 12). A 'few fragmentary walls' (Garner 1980, 36) survive. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 2: East and South Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1994). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

Robert fitz Richard Balrain founded St. Mary's Carmelite Priory at Abbey-Lands in 1334; by 1541, it included a church with belfry, cloister, hall, and other buildings. The site is significant as a medieval religious foundation associated with the Carmelite order.