Claregalway Friary
Description
The Claregalway Friary is a ruined medieval Franciscan abbey in Claregalway, County Galway.
The abbey site features an east-facing, cruciform church (minus a south transept) with a 24-metre bell tower. The ruins of the living quarters and cloister are situated to the south of the church building.
Claregalway friary was founded circa. 1240. The Franciscan community at the abbey lived under the patronage of the de Cogan clan until 1327, after Magnus de Cogan gave them the building and surrounding lands. The friary was renovated in the 15th century, at which point the tower and the chancel's east window were added.
The community flourished until the mid-16th century, when the English Reformation disrupted the Catholic establishment in Ireland.
On 11 July 1538, forces under the command of Lord Leonard Gray ransacked and looted the abbey while marching to Galway. In 1570, Queen Elizabeth I granted possession of the monastery to Sir Richard de Burgo. Circa. 1589, the monastery buildings were turned into a barracks under the administration of the English provincial governor, Sir Richard Bingham.