Indicated

Franciscan friary founded between 1300 and 1330 by Gilla-Isu Roe O'Reilly. Burnt in 1405, again in 1451 through the carelessness of an inebriated friar, by the English in 1468, and finally by an enraged woman of the O'Reilly family in 1576. Depicted on Netherclift's plan of Cavan town (c. 1593). It was demolished in 1815 and all that now remains is a three-storey square tower (ext. dims. 4.3m x 4.3m; H c. 16.7m) with 18th-century moulded opes in E and W walls and similar openings in all four walls at third-floor level. (O'Connell 1937, 335; Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 245) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cavan' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1995). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 22 December 2008

The church at Abbey Land was founded between 1300 and 1330 by Gilla-Isu Roe O'Reilly and was associated with the Franciscan order. It suffered multiple destructions, including by fire in 1405, 1451, and 1468, reflecting its significance as a religious and community center in a turbulent period.