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Heritage Ireland

Ennis Friary

Admire some exquisite Renaissance carvings

15 March - 03 November 2024

See all opening times

Ennis Friary

Admire some exquisite Renaissance carvings

15 March - 03 November 2024

See all opening times

Admission

Adult: €5.00
Group/Senior: €4.00
Child/Student: €3.00
Family: €13.00

Getting here

Abbey Street
Ennis
Co. Clare
V95 AN28

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Ennis Friary

The O’Briens of Thomond, who once ruled much of north Munster, founded this medieval Franciscan friary. It grew quickly into a huge foundation, with 350 friars and a famed school of 600 pupils by 1375. It was the very last school of Catholic theology to survive the Reformation.

The building contains an exceptional wealth of fifteenth- and sixteenth-century sculptures carved in the local hard limestone, including one of St Francis himself displaying the stigmata. An arch between the nave and transept bears a remarkable image of Christ with his hands bound.

Don’t forget to visit the sacristy, an impressive structure with a ribbed, barrel-vaulted ceiling. Take especial note of the beautiful east window, with its five lancets, as it lights up the chancel.

Opening Times

 15 March – 03 November 2024

Daily 10:00 – 18:00

Last admission: 17:15

From Thursday October 3 to Sunday November 3 (end of season)  we will be closing at 5.00pm with last admission at 4.15pm

 

 

 

 

 

Notice

 

 

Contact

Abbey Street
Ennis
Co. Clare
V95 AN28

065 6829100

Getting Here

Located in the centre of Ennis town

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Click the relevant icon below to open Maps directions

Facilities

  • Card Accepted
  • Exhibition
  • Guided tours
  • Wheelchair Accessible

Restrictions

  • Limited Access
  • Uneven walkways

Resources

Social Guide

Download, print and read our social guide (PDF) about visiting Ennis Friary. This will help first-time visitors, families and people with developmental and learning disabilities to prepare for a visit to Ennis Friary.

Download the Social Guide

Download Ennis Friary Grave Transcriptions

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