Burriscarra Abbey facts for kids
| Mainistir Bhuiríos Ceara | |
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 Location in Ireland
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| Monastery information | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Buirghes-ceinn-trachta |
| Order | Carmelites Order of Saint Augustine |
| Established | 1298 |
| Disestablished | 1607 |
| Diocese | Tuam |
| People | |
| Founder(s) | Adam de Staunton |
| Architecture | |
| Status | ruined |
| Style | Norman |
| Site | |
| Location | Castlecarra, Carnacon, County Mayo |
| Coordinates | 53°43′51″N 9°14′45″W / 53.730929°N 9.245740°W |
| Visible remains | Friary and church |
| Public access | Yes |
| Official name | Burriscarra Abbey |
| Reference no. | 222A |
Burriscarra Abbey is a very old Carmelite priory and a special National Monument located in County Mayo, Ireland. A priory is like a monastery, a place where monks or nuns used to live, pray, and work. This abbey has a long and interesting history, with parts of its buildings still standing today.
Contents
Where is Burriscarra Abbey?
Burriscarra Abbey is found in the beautiful countryside of County Mayo, Ireland. It is about 1.6 kilometers (which is about 1 mile) west of a small village called Carnacon. The abbey is located on the northeast side of Lough Carra, a lovely lake in the area.
The Abbey's History Through Time
Who Founded Burriscarra Abbey?
Burriscarra Abbey was first built around the year 1298. It was founded by a man named Adam de Staunton. He built it for a group of monks known as the Carmelites. His family later became known as MacEvilly.
Changes and Challenges for the Abbey
The Carmelite monks left the abbey before the year 1383. Then, in 1413, Pope Gregory XII gave the abbey to another group of monks, the Order of Saint Augustine. These Augustinian monks already had a friary in a nearby town called Ballinrobe.
The abbey faced some tough times. It was burned in 1430, but thankfully, it was repaired soon after. Later, during the time of the Cromwellians, the abbey was taken over. In 1607, King James I gave the land to John King. John King then sold it to Oliver Bowen in 1608.
The Abbey's Later Owners
Even later, King Charles II granted the abbey land back to John King. After that, it went to Sir Henry Lynch and his family. They owned it until the 19th century. Today, Burriscarra Abbey belongs to the Office of Public Works. This organization looks after important historical sites in Ireland. They restored the abbey in the 1960s to help preserve it.
Most of the buildings you can see today were built in the 15th century.
Exploring the Abbey Buildings
What Remains of the Church?
The main church building at Burriscarra Abbey still stands. The lower part of the church has some special niches from the 13th century. A niche is like a small alcove or recess in a wall. However, much of the church was rebuilt in the 15th century. This is when the current windows were added.
The church is shaped like a rectangle. It has a south aisle, which is a passage along the side of the main part of the church. This aisle has an arcade with two arches. An arcade is a row of arches supported by columns. The church also has a beautiful traceried east window. Tracery is the decorative stonework that holds the glass in a window. You can also see a piscina, which is a basin used for washing sacred vessels.
The Cloister Area
The cloister of the abbey is located to the north of the church. A cloister is an open area, usually a square garden, surrounded by covered walkways. Monks would use this peaceful space for walking and thinking. Sadly, there are no remains of the arcade that would have surrounded the cloister here.
Images for kids
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A view of the abbey, showing a tall, narrow lancet window.
