Buttevant Franciscan Friary

A Franciscan Friary shadowed by a dark history

Unguided sites

Buttevant, Mallow
Cork

Buttevant Franciscan Friary

A Franciscan Friary shadowed by a dark history

Unguided sites

Buttevant, Mallow
Cork

Facilities

Car park

Notice

Buttevant Franciscan Friary is a National Monument in state guardianship

*Access is available during church open hours

*On-street parking is available

WARNING: It should be noted that these sites are unguided and a level of care and caution should be maintained during all stages of your visit. The Office Of Public Works (OPW) will not be held responsible for any damages, injuries, or losses that occur

Buttevant Franciscan Friary

Situated in an unusually central position within the walls of a medieval borough, Buttevant Friary was founded for the Franciscans by David de Barry I in 1251. The Friary was dedicated to St. Thomas à Becket, who was Archbishop of Canterbury until his murder by knights connected to King Henry II in 1170.

The de Barry family became influential lords in Cork after the Anglo-Norman conquest of Ireland in the 12^th century, and David de Barry was given responsibility by King Henry III to develop Buttevant town in the 1230s.

Located on the banks of the River Awbeg, the church is the only part that remains of the original structure today. Buttevant boasts some unusual features, such as a twin-arched piscina within the choir, and a crypt under the choir. Within this crypt, it is said the human remains of those who died in the battle of Knocknanuss in 1647, during the Irish Confederate Wars, were buried here.

Visit Historic Environment Viewer and Monastic Ireland for more information on Buttevant Friary

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