20 Mar Ballylongford, County Kerry
To the North of this little farmland village stand the imposing Gothic ruins of Lislaughtin Friary, built in 1478 by John O’Connor Kerry.
This once-magnificent friary stands in verdant countryside, ivy-clad and roofless, its tower and cloisters gone and bushes growing out of its centre. But the remaining walls are well preserved. Its East window is divided into four pointed lights by stone mullions. There is a beautifully carved sedilia, a three seated bench for the Priest and his assistants on the South side of the altar, and three handsome windows.
The friary has a violent history, including an incident in 1580 when three aged monks were beaten to death by English soldiers.
Ballylongford and the ruins of Lislaughtin Friary are a real hidden gem that are worth a visit on your Ireland tours.