Moor Franciscan Friary

The ruined Franciscan Friary of Moor Abbey is located east of Galbally village in the Glen of Aherlow. Dated to the early 13^th century, Moor Abbey was founded by Donough Cairbreach Ó Brien, King of Thomond for the Franciscan Friars. The ruins of the present church was built in 1471 by Aunfurn M’Bryon only to be burned the following year. By the time of the dissolution of the monasteries Moor Abbey was sold to John FitzGerald, brother of the 14^th Earl of Desmond, for £15. As a result of this familial connection and the first Desmond Rebellion, Moor Abbey was targeted by Sir Humphrey Gilbert on behalf of the Crown in 1569. The friars returned the following year only to be murdered, among them Fr Dermot O’Mulrooney.

The friars made another attempt to return in 1645 only for Cromwell’s men to attack. The friars once again returned and stayed until 1748 and then moved onto Mitchelstown. Moor Abbey survived a bomb attack in 1921 during the War of Independence.

The church is divided into a nave and chancel, separated by a three storey bell-tower, all of which are built using a mix of sandstone and limestone. The main doorway in the west gable is reconstructed but inside the door is a flat-headed piscine. A spiral stone stairs originally gave access to the parapet. The bell-tower is dated to the early 16^th century and has an aumbry and ogee-headed stoup. The chancel holds a double piscine with a double pointed-headed and engaged twisted column. Nothing remains of the cloister above ground but excavations found three grave slabs under the area where the cloister was with the grave slabs dating to the 16^th/17^th century. These grave slabs are believed to belong to Fr Dermot O’Mulrooney and two other friars who returned to the friary in 1570 and were murdered.

Visit Historic Environment Viewer for more information on Moor Friary

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