Ross Errilly Friary
Description
Ross Errilly Friary (Mainistir an Rois), often called “Ross Abbey,” is a 15th-century Franciscan friary near Headford, County Galway. A National Monument, it is one of Ireland’s best-preserved medieval monasteries, featuring a church, cloisters, refectory, kitchens, dormitories, and an unusual second courtyard.
Founded around 1460, Ross Errilly became a major Franciscan house but endured repeated confiscations, evictions, and restorations during the Reformation, Cromwellian campaigns, and Penal era. Monks finally abandoned it in the 18th century, though locals continued to use it as a burial ground.
By the 19th century the abbey was a romantic ruin, often noted for scattered human remains. Today, preserved by the Office of Public Works, it is open to the public free of charge.
Address
Headford, County Galway, Ireland
Established
c. 1460