Kilcrea Friary

About this place

Kilcrea Friary (Irish: Prióireacht Chill Chré) is a ruined medieval abbey located near Ovens, County Cork, Ireland. Both the friary and Kilcrea Castle, located in ruin to the west, were built by Observant Franciscans in the mid 15th century under the invitation of Cormac Láidir MacCarthy, Lord of Muskerry, as protection from English troops. The friary was sacked by the English army a number of times in the late 1500s, during which it sustained considerable damage, but remained occupied by friars until the 1620s. MacCarthy was killed in battle in 1494 and is buried at the site. The site has remained in continuous use as a burial ground, and contains, among others, the remains of Art Ó Laoghaire, known for the lament composed for him by his widow Eibhlín Dubh Ní Chonaill. The abbey's main features include an aisle, a transept on the south-side, and cloisters at the north end. The narrow tower is ascended via a series of steep and winding stairs. The areas around the tower were once dormitories, day rooms and kitchens. The name Kilcrea is derived from the from Irish Cill Chré, meaning 'Cell of Cyra'. Cyra was an early medieval abbess who reputedly founded a nunnery to the east of the friary in the parish of St Owen's (Ovens).

Visitor Information

Heritage status

Protected Heritage Site

Getting There & Parking

Kilcrea Friary is located in County Cork, roughly 21 km (20 min drive) from Cork and 299 km (4h 25m) from Dublin. The nearest public car park is 124 m away (Free). Nearby highlights within a short drive include Kilcrea Castle (0.5 km away).