Carlingford Abbey
| Carlingford Abbey | |
|
County Louth | |
|---|---|
 Carlingford Priory | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | J18981139 |
| Location: | 54°2’17"N, 6°11’4"W |
| Main town: | Carlingford |
| Order: | Dominican |
| History | |
| Established: | 1305 |
| Founder: | Richard de Burgh, 2nd Earl of Ulster |
| Disestablished: | 1540 |
| Information | |
| Condition: | Ruins of buildings |
Carlingford Abbey, also called Carlingford Friary or Carlingford Priory, is the ruin of a mediæval Dominican abbey in the centre of the town of Carlingford in County Louth.
The abbey ruin is designated a 'National Monument'. It is found in the centre of the town, just off Dundalk Street.
History
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This abbey was founded by the Dominican Order around the year 1305 under the patronage of Richard Óg de Burgh, 2nd Earl of Ulster, and dedicated to Saint Malachy (1095–1148).
Two towers were added to the northwest and southwest corners of the west gable in 1423, giving the church its fortified appearance. Rebuilding took place in the early 16th century. It remained in use until the Dissolution of the Monasteries under King Henry VIII. Thereafter the buildings fell into disrepair.
After dissolution, the buildings were then used for a hall, a barracks and a handball alley.
During the reign of King Charles II, the Irish government extended remarkable toleration towards the Roman Catholic hierarchy within the island and in 1671, the abbey was reopened, but to a dispute over ownership between the Franciscan and Dominican Orders. Oliver Plunkett, then Roman Catholic Archbishop of Armagh, returned the Abbey to the Dominicans. The Abbey relocated to Dundalk in 1777. [1]
Buildings
Remaining at Carlingford Abbey are the nave, chancel and central bell-tower, built of rough coursed limestone and greywacke. Slightly to the south are outbuildings and a mill house.
Defensive towers, crenellations and a machicolation were added in the 15th century.[2][3]
References
- ↑ History of St Malachy's BNS: Ciaran J. Conlan
- ↑ Dominican Priory - Carlingford & Cooley Peninsula
- ↑ Dominicans celebrate mass in Carlingford Abbey - Independent.ie
- Carlingford Dominican Priory, Louth on 'Megalithic Ireland'
- Carlingford Dominican Priory on 'Irish Antiquities'
- Ireland In Ruins: Carlingford Abbey
