Ballintober Abbey in ruins — Ballintober (carra By.)

Founded in 1216, on site of earlier monastery, by Cathal Crovderg O'Connor for the Augustinian Canons. Bricius was first abbot. Abbey burnt in 1265. Walter Mac Evilly last abbot when suppresed in 1542. Held by John King in 1605. Cromwellians destroyed much of abbey in 1653. Augustinian friars granted possession in mid 17th century (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 159). Restoration work carried out in 1846, 1889, 1899 and early 1960's. Church (L 40m, Wth across transepts 22.9m) is cruciform in shape; consists of chancel, nave, N and S transepts, with two side-chapels opening onto the W wall of its respective transept (all 13th century in date). Four pointed arches at intersection of nave and transepts originally supported a low crenellated tower. Chancel, with low ribbed vaulting is supported by well-carved capitals; contains two piscina and a sedilia. E wall of chancel contains three fine transitional windows lighting main altar. Two of the side chapels have barrel vaults and two have pointed vaults. 15th century W doorway, reinserted in 1964. S of chancel is 17th century de Burgo mortuary chapel. S of south transept is sacristy and chapter house with fine 13th century doorway on E side. Further S are 15th century buildings. S of nave is 15th century cloisters again with further buildings to S. This is a national monument (no. 501) in state care. The above description has been derived from D. Lavelle (compiler), An Archaeological Survey of Ballinrobe and District including Lough Mask and Lough Carra. Lough Mask and Lough Carra Tourist Development Association (1994), No. 635. Date of upload: 22 January 2013