What is recorded here

Under the Royal and McMahon tomb in Ennis Friary, a broken limestone pieta still holds the dead Christ across the Virgin’s knees. Carved in the fifteenth century, the small fragment preserves the exact moment Our Lady grasps his elbow while his wrists remain crossed. It may have stood complete beside the tomb before time chipped away the rest, leaving only this tender, heavy grief for later viewers to meet.

On display under the canopy of the Royal/McMahon tomb in the nave of Ennis Friary (CL033-082001-). A fragment of a pieta (H 0.36m; Wth 0.48m; D 0.32m), or ‘Our Lady’s Pity’ as it was known in the 15th century, which may have originally formed part of the Royal tomb (CL033-082015-). One of the few remaining fragments of 15th-century free-standing stone sculpture in the round in Ireland. Carved in limestone, the remaining fragment shows the body of Christ lying upon the knees of the Virgin, the arms crossed at the wrists and the right arm grasped at the elbow by Our Lady’s left hand. (Hunt 1975, 36-8; Pl. II, 2; Harbison 1984, 13-14; Bradley, Halpin and King 1988, 77) CL033-082024-_01.jpg attached. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 15 April 2014

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.