Nunnery (in ruins)

Located in low-lying field of tillage. This site is associated with the Priory of St. Mary which was endowed for nuns by John Comyn, archbishop of Dublin, c. 1190 (Gwynn & Hadcock 1988, 311, 371). The convent of Arroasian nuns moved from Lusk to Gracedieu after 1195 AD. All that survives of the nunnery is the SE corner containing a segmental arched doorway and vaulted passage. It is built of roughly coursed masonry. There is a recess in S wall of entrance. The south wall extends intermittently (L c. 18-20m). Significant vegetation growth. St Bridget's well lies W of site (DU007-015003-) and Lady well in field to S (DU007-015004-). Excavations to the W of the nunnery exposed remains of three structures; a medieval building which had been demolished in the 17th century defined by two substantial, earth-bonded walls (int dims. L 17m, Wth 13m; Wth 1m) rising to two courses and built directly on a cobbled surface. Also exposed were the foundations of side walls of a possible post-medieval house/farm (L 7.3m, Wth 4m, T 0.7m) a cobbled surface, likely to represent a laneway (Wth 6m) bounded by a lintel drain and a ditch which fed a millrace to the S of the site (Gowen 1989, 16-17). Compiled by: Geraldine Stout Updated by: Christine Baker Date of upload: 29 November 2014

The nunnery at Gracedieu was founded by John Comyn, Archbishop of Dublin, around 1190 and was dedicated to St. Mary. It was associated with the Arroasia (Arrouaise) order and represents an important example of medieval religious life in the region.