QUIN FRANCISCAN FRIARY
Quin, County Clare

Quin Franciscan Friary
Quin Franciscan Friary

Until 1278 a church stood on the locaton of the current Friary but two years later a castle was built, which included several round towers, parts of which still survive today. In 1336 the castle was ransacked and by 1350 another church was built around the castle. In 1433, when Franciscan's were brought to Quin, the church was updated to what you will see today upon visiting.

Visitors can still make out the original castle (photo below left). Enter through the original castle door and into the main part of the church. Upper floors are accessible still, which contain the old dormitory.

Friary with view of old castle

Walk around on both the ground and first floor levels. Passageways and stairwells are all over the site. From the upper floor the original tower foundations can be seen along with the bawn walls that once connected them.

The most famous example of a castle being encorporated into a church is the famous Rock of Cashel, which was once the seat of the King of Munster, Brian Boru.

The cloister is still in tact (photo right). The corridor that surrounds it is paved with the headstones of local prominent figures, priests and other dignitaries of their time. In the Summer months you can see Swallows nesting in the walls and other jutting stones.

The Friary is open to the public to wander around at will, but the guard posted will answer any of your questions as he's a lifelong local and knows much of the towns history.

Quin Franciscan Friary is 13 kilometers (8 miles) Southeast of Ennis and well worth a visit.

Corridor Surrounding the Courtyard at Quin Friary
Cloister