Rosserk Franciscan Friary

Map Reference: G254252 (1254, 3252)



The friary at Rosserk was founded for the Franciscan Third Order around 1440 by members of the Joyce family. The Third Order is for married men and women who wish to follow the Franciscan way of life but are barred from joining the First Order, the Friars or the Second Order, the Nuns.



A finely carved west doorway leads in to the single-aisled church, which has an attractive bell-tower and a fine four-light east window.







There is a south chapel with another fine window. In the SE corner of the choir is a beautiful double piscina.





On one of the pillars is a unique carving of a Round Tower. Other carvings on the piscina include two angels and the Instruments of the Passion. The church stands at the south side of the cloister. On the opposite side is the refectory. On the east side is the sacristy attached to the church and the chapter-house.







The domestic buildings surrounding the cloister are well preserved with three vaulted rooms on each side. The dormitory, refectory and kitchen were on the upper floor, where two fireplaces may be seen back to back. There are no traces of the cloister arcade.



In 1590 Sir Richard Bingham, Governor of Connacht, burned Rosserk.







For more examples of Franciscan Friaries click on the following links

Bonamargy, Co Antrim Armagh, Co Armagh Ennis, Co Clare Quin, Co Clare Buttevant, Co Cork Timoleague, Co Cork Claregalway, Co Galway Kilconnell, Co Galway Meelick, Co Galway Rosserrily, Co Galway Ardfert, Co Kerry Lislaughtin, Co Kerry Muckross, Co Kerry Castledermott, Co Kildare Creevelea, Co Leitrim Adare, Co Limerick Askeaton, Co Limerick Dundalk, Co Louth Moyne, Co Mayo Nenagh, Co Tipperary Roscrea, Co Tipperary