20 Apr Moyne Abbey, County Mayo
This large ruin of a friary shares much with its neighbour, Rosserk. Both compete for the title of largest and most impressive ecclesiastical ruins in Mayo. Moyne was founded as a Franciscan friary by the Burke family, built in late Irish Gothic style and consecrated in 1462.
The church has a nave and chancel separated from a south aisle by robust round pillars. The ruins are dominated by a tall bell tower built over the chancel arch, and a hole for a bell rope can still be seen in the ceiling. Incised in the plaster next to the west door is an unusual 16th century picture of a ship.
There are enough domestic details left of the abbey to make it possible to imagine how the monks lived there. The abbey’s life ended after 1590, when it was destroyed by Sir Richard Bingham, Elizabeth I’s zealous governor of Connaught.
Moyne Abbey is a hidden gem, contact us now to organise your visit on your Ireland tours.