What is recorded here

Abbey (Site of) was the earliest known Carmelite foundation in Ireland, nestled south of a tower house in County Carlow. The friars lived there until suppression in 1541, after which soldiers took the halls as a barracks. No wall or arch remains visible, but the ground still holds the shape of prayers spoken before guns replaced them.

The following description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Carlow' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1993). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 17 July 2007 Carmelite Priory of St Mary. Considered to be site of earliest Carmelite foundation in Ireland (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 298). Located S of tower house (CW012-070003-). Suppressed in 1541 and used subsequently as a barracks. No visible trace. (Bradley 1989, 38).

This remains an important historical record, but the official description says the monument is no longer visible or has been destroyed. The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.