The Friary
About The Friary
Although a ruin now, Ennis Friary was once home to over 300 Franciscan Friars and 600 students. It was established in 1240 when the Franciscans were invited to the area and given land by Donncha O’Brien, King of Thomond. Both the powerful O'Brien family and later the MacMahons and the MacNamaras continued to provide support to the community there for centuries afterwards.The Friary grew in importance to become an important centre of learning and not only in Ireland, it was renowned throughout Europe. It became a large complex, the church surrounded by cloisters, dormitories, workshops, a huge kitchen and refectory - not surprising when at it's height almost 1000 people lived and worked within its confines.
The town of Ennis grew up around it, providing services and supplies to the Friars and catering for the many visitors who travelled often great distances to study and pray there.
By the mid 1500's a thriving town had developed and the Friary was at the height of its power.
Walking around it is clear that these were once very impressive buildings indeed, and the fine stone carvings, statues and tombs, most of them carved from local limestone, give a glimpse of how it must have looked at it's height.
The carving of St Francis displaying his stigmata (left) and the magnificent MacMahon tomb, dating from 1470 and with elaborate scenes from the passion of Christ, are highlights of a visit.
In 1531 the English King Henry VIII declared himself Supreme Head of the Church of England and passed the Act in Restraint of Appeals, which eliminated the right of Catholic Monasteries and Friaries to exist. Initially those in Ireland were less affected than those in England, but life became more difficult. Lands surrounding the Friary were possessed by the crown and given or sold to those loyal to the king, taxes had to be paid and it became difficult to preach and teach openly.
The Friary held on tenaciously, though in a much reduced form, until it ceased to exist in the 1690s, its once large community reduced to a few friars who lived among the local people in semi-hiding. The Church was granted to the Protestant Church of Ireland and it remained a Church of Ireland Parish until 1871 when it was finally abandoned.
The building has been in the care of the state since 1894 and is now looked after by Duchas, the Irish Heritage Council.
The town of Ennis grew up around it, providing services and supplies to the Friars and catering for the many visitors who travelled often great distances to study and pray there.
By the mid 1500's a thriving town had developed and the Friary was at the height of its power.
Walking around it is clear that these were once very impressive buildings indeed, and the fine stone carvings, statues and tombs, most of them carved from local limestone, give a glimpse of how it must have looked at it's height.
The carving of St Francis displaying his stigmata (left) and the magnificent MacMahon tomb, dating from 1470 and with elaborate scenes from the passion of Christ, are highlights of a visit.
In 1531 the English King Henry VIII declared himself Supreme Head of the Church of England and passed the Act in Restraint of Appeals, which eliminated the right of Catholic Monasteries and Friaries to exist. Initially those in Ireland were less affected than those in England, but life became more difficult. Lands surrounding the Friary were possessed by the crown and given or sold to those loyal to the king, taxes had to be paid and it became difficult to preach and teach openly.
The Friary held on tenaciously, though in a much reduced form, until it ceased to exist in the 1690s, its once large community reduced to a few friars who lived among the local people in semi-hiding. The Church was granted to the Protestant Church of Ireland and it remained a Church of Ireland Parish until 1871 when it was finally abandoned.
The building has been in the care of the state since 1894 and is now looked after by Duchas, the Irish Heritage Council.
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First To Review:
Nov 11, 2008
A really old friary, now in ruins located in the centre of the town, therefore incredibly difficult to miss. It costs a few euro to get in and it takes about half an hour to see all there is to see. It is also possible to get a guided tour which I haven't personally done but hear is worth doing. There is also an old Franciscan church located a few minutes walk from here where the Franciscans reside today.
Sep 24, 2009
For me the main attraction in town, great place to wander about for a bit. Don't forget your camera, this is one of the many beautiful ruins Ireland has to offer.
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