Athy Priory facts for kids
| Mainistir Átha Í | |
 Location in Ireland
|
|
| Monastery information | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Bailr-atha-ai; Athai; Athies |
| Order | Dominican Order |
| Established | 1253 |
| Disestablished | mid-19th century |
| Diocese | Dublin |
| People | |
| Founder(s) | Boysel and Hogan family |
| Architecture | |
| Status | ruined |
| Style | Norman |
| Site | |
| Location | St Michael's, Athy, County Kildare |
| Coordinates | 52°59′26″N 6°59′00″W / 52.990694°N 6.983284°W |
| Public access | yes |
Athy Priory was once a home for Dominican friars in Athy, Ireland. Friars are like monks, but they often live and work among people. This priory was a religious building where they lived, prayed, and worked.
Contents
Where is Athy Priory Located?
Athy Priory is found in the southern part of the town of Athy. It sits on the eastern side of the River Barrow.
A Look Back: The History of Athy Priory
How Athy Priory Began
Athy Priory was started by the Boiseles (also called Boysel) and Hogan families. This happened in the year 1253. Some old records say it might have been 1257. A person named John of Slane gave the friars six acres of land. King Edward II also agreed to this gift of land.
Important Meetings at the Priory
Over the years, Athy Priory was an important place. Major meetings for the Dominican Order were held there. These meetings, called "chapters," took place in 1288, 1295, and 1305.
When the Priory Closed Down
The priory was officially closed down on April 30, 1539. This process is called "dissolution." After it closed, the land and buildings were rented out. Martin Pelles, who was the local constable (a type of official), rented it in 1540.
At that time, the priory had many useful things. It owned two fishing-weirs, which are traps for catching fish. It also had a water mill, used for grinding grain. The buildings included a church and a belfry (a tower for bells). There was also a chapter-house (a meeting room) and a dormitory (where the friars slept). Other buildings included a hall, three chambers, and a kitchen. The priory also had a cemetery, a garden, and an orchard.
In 1588, the priory was given to Henry FitzGerald, 12th Earl of Kildare.
The Priory's Return and Final Days
The friars returned to Athy around 1622. This was led by a friar named Fr Ross Mageoghegan. More friars came back in 1754.
The chapel, which is a small church, was made bigger between 1864 and 1867. However, the priory closed down again in the mid-1800s.
A new church was built and opened on March 17, 1965. The old church building was taken down in 1973. Later, a library was built on the same spot where the priory once stood.
