Portumna

Dominican Friary

Originally the Cistercian monks of Dunbrody Abbey in county Wexford possessed a small chapel here in the 13th century. It was dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul. Sometime later it was abandoned by the Cistercians and the land was held by the O'Madden family. The land was granted by the O'Maddens to the Dominicans Friars who founded the abbey here in 1426, and dedicated it to St Mary and SS Peter and Paul. It was converted for use as a Protestant church in the 18th century.

This is a 35 metre long nave and chancel church, seperated by tower. The top image was taken from the nave looking east towards the four light window in the east gable. The two arches are all that remain of the tower. The image above shows the three light window in the south transept. There is a superb collection of medieval graveslabs and memorial plaques in the chancel and a piscina in the south wall.

The cloister, pictured above, is located on the northside of the church along with the sacristy. What remains of the arcade has been reconstructed. The north transept is incorporated into a number of domestic buildings at the northwest. This is a lovely ruin to wander around and has some interesting hidden gems, like the inverted head at the base of the sacristy doorway.

Situated: If you enter Portumna from the east on the N65 take the left turn at the fork onto Dominic Street. This changes name to Abbey Street. Stay on here and go passed the turn for the castle. The abbey is on your right.

Discovery Map 53: M 8543 0394. Last visit July 2016.

Longitude: 8° 13' 3" W

Latitude: 53° 5' 9" N

Google Map

Photos: Jim Dempsey.

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