Abbey in ruins — Inishmaine

On shore of sheltered bay in Lough Mask; an island in earlier times. Site of an early monastery founded by St. Cormac. Maelísa, son of Turlogh O' Connor, prior of the abbey, died here in 1223. Listed as a cell of Benedictine monks, later a nunnery. Richard de Burgo burnt Inishmaine in 1227 (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 318). Early 13th century church with nave and chancel. Entrance to nave through trabeate doorway in N wall, possibly of early christian origin; S wall contains splayed window with portion of arch remaining on E side. Incomplete chancel arch with base and columns containing decorated capitals. E gable contains pair of round headed windows of transitional date, set in widely splayed round arched embrasure with continuous roll moulding and external hood moulding with decorated terminals. On either side of the chancel are to be found a later N and S transept, both with badly damaged doorways; both lighted by simple splayed windows, while a smaller square structure abuts W wall of S transept. NE of the abbey is a gate tower marked 'Castle' [MA117-044----] on OS map (1838). Probably fifteenth century in date. W wall is steeply battered externally. Main chamber with vaulted ceiling had doorway on N leading to stairs. E wall of lst-floor contains fine twin light window but much of the rest of the features are modern reconstructions. This is a national monument (no. 102) 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. 639. Date of upload: 6 November 2013