Creevelea Abbey, Dromahair, Ireland

Creevelea Abbey is a medieval Franciscan friary located in Dromahair, County Leitrim, Ireland. It is now in use for as a grave yard.

Creevelea Friary was founded in 1508 by Eóghan O'Rourke, Lord of West Bréifne, and his wife Margaret O'Brian, daughter of a King of Thomond. The friary was accidentally burned in 1536 and was rebuilt by Brian Ballach O'Rourke. In 1590 Richard Bingham stabled his horses at Creevelea during his pursuit of Brian O'Rourke, who had sheltered survivors of the Spanish Armada. It was dissolved c. 1598.

Sir Tadhg O'Rourke (d. 1605), last King of West Bréifne and Thaddeus Francis O'Rourke (d. 1735), Bishop of Killala are buried here. Another house was built for the friars in 1618 and Creevelea was reoccupied by friars in 1642. The Franciscans were driven out by the Cromwellian Army in the 1650s. After the Restoration, the abbey remained in use until 1837.

The remains consist of the church (nave, chancel, transept and choir), chapter house, cloister and domestic buildings. The bell-tower was converted to living quarters in the 17th century. At one point in its history the church was covered with a thatched roof. Carved in the cloister is an image of Saint Francis of Assisi preaching to birds.

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User Reviews

Irene Kavanagh (7 months ago)
Fantastic walk along the river to the Abbey. Lovely in the Spring/Summer when everything is green. Ruins of The Abbey are worth a look, place has a great history with some interesting graves. Abbey is Free and open to the public.

James Conn (2 years ago)
Nice old friary. Close to Riverbank Restaurant, great place to have lunch.

Nic R (2 years ago)
Surprisingly large Abbey (ruins). Definitely worth s visit! You can park your car in Dromahair and take a short walk along the river (follow the sign "Sligo Way" from village center).

Nan Ridge (2 years ago)
Lovely and there is small walk beside the friary

Derek Mac Dermott (2 years ago)
Beautifully maintained ruins within a grave yard integrated between the walls.

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