Athenry Dominican Priory

Athenry Abbey is also known as Athenry Dominican Priory and, by its official name, The Priory Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Athenry abbey church is the only surviving feature of the original priory complex. It is a nave and chancel church with the north aisle and transept and sacristy to the south. Two pillars that survive indicate a crossing tower was one time present. It is accepted that there are three phases of building. The beginning was in 1241 when Meyler de Bermingham (d. 1252) founded the church, having the nave and chancel built. De Bermingham bought the site from Robert Walsh for 160 marks. Others involved in contributing to the building included Phelim O’Connor, Eugene O’Heyne, Cornelius O’Kelly, Walter Husgard, Burkes of Clanricard, Arthur Mac Gallyly, Bernard O’Trarasay, Thomas Bovanter, David Wedir, Rodolph Hallatune, Sylina Lynch, Nicholas Godsun, Florence Mac Flynn and bishop of Clonfert Thomas O’Kelly – many of whom were subsequently buried in the abbey.

In 1324 the north aisle and transept were added. The tower was built in 1425 and was the last major building phase. The last building phase was as a result of an accidental fire in the early 1400’s that consumed much of the church and abbey. Many former and new benefactors, financially and otherwise supported the redevelopment. Many windows date to the 13^th century including the six-pointed lancet window in the nave. Also found in the nave is a 16^th century round-headed statue niche and a 17^th century viewing loft. In the chancel a seven-pointed lancet window and a triple-arched cusped sedilia are original features. A carved head of a bishop, and a four-light switchline tracery window are found in the chancel. The window dates to the 15^th/16^th century and replaced an earlier five-light window dated to the 13^th/14^th century. Twin-light trefoil-headed windows lit the altar area, and the sacristy was lit by a triple-light ogee-headed window. In the sacristy is the shaft fragment of a memorial cross, with its inscription stating it was made by James (the lame) Coil. The remaining arcade of three arches, originally an arcade of five arches, separates the nave from the north aisle. The north transept was lit by a four-light tracery window, beneath which are three separate sepulchral monuments. Numerous grave slabs are found within the church, some with fleur-de-lis motifs, raised crosses, central roundels, an anvil in relief, incised hammer, and a coulter on the left side and plough sock on the right side. Many of the slabs are broken and some have inscriptions, most dating from the 17^th century. Within the church also are wall monuments, some richly decorated with floral motifs, ecclesiastical depictions, and inscriptions. The grave slab of Meyler de Bermingham is 2.08m in length and trapezoidal in shape. The ends of the slab bear a plain Latin cross in high relief. In the choir of the church is a wall monument with the front divided into five panels capped by ogee-headed arches. Figures such as the Virgin and Child with two dolphins are carved in low relief and is dated to the 15^th/16^th century. The abbey was abandoned in 1698 but some friars remained in the area and eventually the friars moved to Esker.

Visit Historic Environment Viewer for more information on Athenry Priory

Protect our Past - Click here to read about the importance of protecting our country’s unique heritage sites

This national monument is protected in accordance with the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014