Cahir Augustinian Priory

In Cahir town stands the ruins of Cahir Abbey, known as the Priory of St. Mary. It was founded for the Augustinian Canons Regular by Geoffrey de Camville in the late 12^th After the dissolution of the monasteries, the last prior Edmond O’Lonergan surrendered the priory in 1540. Sir Thomas Butler, Baron of Cahir, was granted the abbey in 1542.

The priory is multi-phased including the 13^th, 15^th and 16^th century interventions. What remains consists of a church with crossing tower, and a range of buildings, including a large vaulted chamber, a tower, and the possible remains of the refectory. Part of the site was excavated in 1994 and seven burials were found under the ranges. The nave is gone but the chancel remains. The five storey crossing tower was once only four storeys. Some of the architectural features include mason’s marks, carved Celtic knot, a double piscine, and carved corbels.

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