Strade Dominican Friary

The abbey at Strade dates to the mid-13^th century, when it first started as a Franciscan Friary, established by the Lord of Athlethan, Jordan de Exeter.

However, Basilia, the wife of de Exeter’s son Stephen, had other plans for the abbey. Her family were patrons of the Dominicans in Athenry, and she declared that the abbey at Strade should be given to the Dominicans, threatening to refuse food or drink until it was granted.

The Dominican friars moved into Strade in 1253, and it was considered the first mendicant house in Mayo.

It is said that Strade is the daughter house to Sligo Abbey, and today only the church survives. It appears the friary went through a phase of expansion in the 15^th century, and the 19^th century chapel attached to the friary now houses the Michael Davitt Museum, who is buried in Strade.

There are some well-preserved decoration within Strade, including the scene of the Pieta on the altar reredos (an ornamental screen), and carvings on the canopy tomb which includes depictions of Christ, the three wise men, patrons of the friary, and Saints Peter and Paul.

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