Rosserk Franciscan Friary
One of the finest preserved medieval monasteries in Ireland
Unguided sitesAccess available during daylight hours
Rosserk Franciscan Friary
One of the finest preserved medieval monasteries in Ireland
Unguided sitesAccess available during daylight hours
Notice
Rosserk Friary is a state-owned National Monument in the care of the Office of Public Works
*Public Access is Not Permitted to this Site – it exists on private land, and a farmer notice states there is a bull on the grounds*
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
Rosserk Franciscan Friary
On the picturesque shores of the secluded Killala Bay, on the banks of the River Moy, lies one of the best preserved Franciscan monasteries in the country. The tranquillity of the friary can still be felt today.
Rosserk Friary was founded around the 1440s for the friars of the Third Order of St. Francis.
The friary was burned in 1590 by Sir Richard Bingham, Governor of Connaught, during the reign of Elizabeth I.
Designed in the late Irish Gothic style, the ruins still contain original features of the period, including the decorative double piscina (a recess containing a stone basin for washing the sacred vessels used during Mass), and a carving of a round tower on one of the pillars; likely fashioned on the tower that still survives at Killala today.
For more information on Rosserk Friary, why not have a read of David Hicks' blog on the Monasteries of the Moy
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
Gallery
Nearby sites to visit
Céide Fields Neolithic Site and Visitor Centre
The world’s most extensive Stone Age monument
Approx. 25.4 km from Rosserk Franciscan Friary
Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery
Ireland’s oldest megalithic tombs set in a dramatic neolithic landscape
Approx. 41.5 km from Rosserk Franciscan Friary
Sligo Abbey
Where friars’ prayers echo among the ruins
Approx. 45.1 km from Rosserk Franciscan Friary
Parke’s Castle
Walk in the footsteps of planters and Gaels
Approx. 53.6 km from Rosserk Franciscan Friary
Boyle Cistercian Abbey
Step back into Ireland’s monastic past
Approx. 59.4 km from Rosserk Franciscan Friary
Rathcroghan Visitor Centre
Follow in the footsteps of Queen Medb at Connacht’s ancient capital
Approx. 72.7 km from Rosserk Franciscan Friary
