Cork Ireland

A Franciscan house that deserves mention is the monastery of Kilcrea, Co. Cork (Accommodation, Cork, Ireland). Commonly called Kilerca Abbey, it was founded in 1465 a.d. by Cormac MacCarthaigh, Lord of Muskerry, and dedicated to St Brigid. The church consists of a choir and nave with a south aisle, and a transept, with a lofty tower at the junction of the choir and nave. The cloister, surrounded by the conventual buildings, is to the north. The architecture is plain, and the lofty tower, about 80 ft. high, is the most striking feature of the ruin. The priory had a curious history ; at the dissolution it was granted to Sir Cormac MacTaidhg, who did not disturb the Friars. In 1596 the convent was leased to Richard Harding, who also does not appear to have turned out the Friars. It was looted in 1599, but in 1604 the Friars returned. In 1614 it was again granted away by the Lord Deputy, one of the conditions being that the Friars should be driven out.

Posted on April 15th, 2008 under Architecture. Tags: Architecture, bishopric, cathedral, cloyne, Cork, french gothic style, georgian type, kilcrea abbey, monastery of kilcrea, w. burgess. Comments: None