Julia Nolan facts for kids

Julia Nolan (1611–1701) was an important leader of a group of religious women called Dominican nuns in Galway, Ireland. She was their prioress, which is like a head nun, from 1686 to 1701. She lived a long life, from 1611 to 1701.

Julia Nolan's Family Background

Julia Nolan was born in the town of Galway. Her family was a Gaelic merchant family. They had settled in Galway a long time ago, during the reigns of King Henry VI and King Edward IV.

Even though the Nolans were not part of the most powerful families known as The Tribes of Galway, they were still very successful. They were wealthy and respected. They were able to marry into the "Tribes" families and buy important properties.

One example is Thomas Nolan, who owned Ballinrobe castle. He was a rich landowner. Another family member, Thomas Oge Nolan, was a property owner in Galway in 1641. He refused to sign an agreement in 1652 and was later forced to leave his home by 1657.

Life as a Dominican Nun

Julia Nolan joined the Dominican order around 1644, when it was first established in Galway. The Dominican nuns are a group of Catholic religious women. They dedicate their lives to God and community service.

However, in 1652, the town of Galway surrendered to an army led by Charles Coote, 1st Earl of Mountrath. Because of this, the nuns were forced to leave their home. They were sent away to Spain. Other nuns, like Mary Gabriel Martyn and Mary Bonaventure Browne, also had to go into exile.

Return to Galway

In 1686, Julia Nolan was able to return to Galway. She came back with another nun named Maria Lynch. They had been chosen to lead the effort to bring the Dominican community back to Galway. Julia Nolan was appointed prioress, and Maria Lynch became the sub-prioress.

Thanks to the support of King James II of England, the nuns quickly found success. Within just two years, their community grew stronger. They even welcomed new members who wanted to join their order.

Second Dispersal and Later Life

The good times did not last forever for the nuns. In 1691, the Jacobite forces were defeated at the Battle of Aughrim. This made the future of the nuns uncertain once again.

By 1698, the nuns were forced to scatter and leave Galway for a second time. Julia Nolan, who was the prioress, passed away in 1701. She was 90 years old at the time. After her death, Maria Lynch took over as prioress. However, the entire community was soon forced to leave Galway again under her leadership.