Cloisters at Quin

Quin Abbey, is a ruined Franciscan abbey or friary in Quin, roughly 9 miles from Ennis, County Clare in Ireland. It was built in the Gothic style in... more

by Tony Crehan

Title

Cloisters at Quin

Artist

Tony Crehan

Medium

Photograph

Description

Quin Abbey, is a ruined Franciscan abbey or friary in Quin, roughly 9 miles from Ennis, County Clare in Ireland. It was built in the Gothic style in the early 15th century on the remains of an earlier Norman castle. The abbey had a turbulent history, with the friars driven off or killed numerous times. Officially suppressed in 1541, the abbey continued to be inhabited by a small number of friars until 1820. Today, Quin Abbey is a National Monument.

The church that later became Quin Abbey was founded by the MacNamara family around 1350. From the 14th century the MacNamara clan was the most powerful family in the Baronies of Upper and Lower Bunratty and Upper and Lower Tulla. Making use of the remains of an earlier Norman castle, they constructed a church. North of the church, a residence for the clergy and a small sacristy were added. Sioda Cam MacNamara built the cloisters in 1402. In 1430, the bell-tower and Lady Chapel were built by Mahon MacNamara. In 1433, he gave the property to the Franciscan order and allowed them to establish their friary there.

Uploaded

December 9th, 2015