Red Abbey (Site of) — Cork City

Augustinian friary, known as Red Abbey, founded in reign of Edward I (1272-1307); in continuous occupation by friars until rebellion in 1641/2 (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 297-8). Dissolution in 1541 noted church, chancel, two chapels, dormitories, hall, buttery etc. Archdall in 1873 noted much of church surviving (Bradley et al. 1985, 80-1) but now only crossing tower stands, located on N side of Red Abbey Street. Stone flashing for roof lines of nave and chancel visible on W and E face respectively; walls of tower set back above string course between third and fourth floor; overhanging water spouts just below top of tower, four on W, E and S sides and three on N side; ground floor barrel vaulted with central bell-hole; door in S wall of first floor (ibid). Recent excavations in vicinity uncovered traces of burials (O'Flaherty 1978) and medieval walls (Sheehan 1992). See Excavations 2000, no. 131, p. 45 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