Timoleague Abbey (in Ruins) — Timoleague

On W bank of Argideen river where it discharges into Courtmacsherry estuary; ruins of Franciscan friary whose exact date of foundation is unclear (Gwynn and Hadcock 1988, 259) but, according to Conlon (1988, 143) was established before 1316 by either Donal Glas Mac Carthy of William de Barry. Remains consist of church with ranges of domestic buildings around cloister to N. The buildings show 'considerable changes and alterations' (Cochrane 1912, 14) in what Leask (1978 Vol 3, 107) describes as 'a growth of several centuries which defies concise description'. The church consists of nave and choir separated by tower; on S side of nave transept with chapel, and L-shaped aisle to nave and transept. The E window has three pointed lights, the centre one slightly higher, separated by mullions. By comparison with the E window in Kilkenny friary (Leask Vol 2, 119; Conlan 1988, 98) would date c. 1300. Contemporary with this are four tall deeply splayed window embrasures in both N and S walls of choir; only third window from E in S wall appears to contain original light (twin pointed lights separated by mullions). Unusual feature of choir are mural passages which connect N and S walls through E wall, at level of base and top of window embrasures. The tall narrow tower is an inserted feature blocking window embrasures in N and S walls of choir. Nave separated from aisle and by arcade of six arches; Cochrane (1912, 14) considered nave extended westwards from third arch where the arches reduce in size but no clear break in walling, however, there is a break in walling between westernmost arches which is also evident in N wall of nave. W gable contemporary with S aisle which is later than transept. Arcade separating transept from aisle meets nave arch at awkward angle: half arch abutting wall between piers; it is possible that entire nave arcade a later rebuilding, certinally the easternmost pier is of a later phase. The church is entered by pointed door in W gable with two-light window overhead. There are tomb nieches in N wall of nave and choir. Present ground level inside church considerably higher than original due to burials; base of piers in transept/aisle exposed by excavation (Manning 1986, 15). Domestic buildings also show much rebuilding and repairs. Ranges around cloister to E, N and W probably built in one stage; note S wall of W range stops c. 0.4m short of N wall of nave. The E range was then extended to N in two stages. In the sacristy is stone with circular depression known as 'wart well' (Wholley 1986, 3). Cellars under E range approached by flight of steps (similar feature at Buttevant friary); on exterior E wall worn head flanks window ope. Garderobe extensions to E of E range and to E of northernmost extension of E range. Two light with mullion ogee-headed windows in E wall of 'refectory' (Cochrane 1912, 17) appears to have been re-assembeled, probably by Board of Works. Also rebuilt by Board of Works (Cochrane 1912, 15) arcading of cloister arcade at NE corner; three lights in arched frame compared by Leask (1978, 149) to arcading at Adare friary which dates between c. 1470 and 1500; Edmund de Courci, made Bishop of Ross in 1494 and buried in friary in 1518, built 'the steeple, dormitiory, infirmary and library' at Timoleague (Gwynn and Hadcock 1988, 259), which suggests the cloister ranges at Timoleague were built at this time. The friary was repaired in 1604 after much damage (ibid. 260). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 1: West Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1992). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009