Kilmallock Abbey facts for kids
| Mainistir Chill Mocheallóg | |
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 Location in Ireland
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| Monastery information | |
|---|---|
| Other names | St. Saviour's Priory, Flacispaghe |
| Order | Dominican |
| Established | 1291 |
| Disestablished | 1790s |
| Dedicated to | Jesus as Saviour |
| People | |
| Founder(s) | Gilbert Fitzgerald |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Irish National Monument |
| Style | Late Gothic |
| Site | |
| Location | Abbeyfarm, Kilmallock, County Limerick |
| Coordinates | 52°24′09″N 8°34′30″W / 52.402439°N 8.574891°W |
| Public access | yes |
Kilmallock Abbey (Irish: Mainistir Chill Mocheallóg), also known as St. Saviour's Priory, is an old Dominican monastery. It was built in the 13th century in the town of Kilmallock. You can find it right by the River Loobagh. This historic site was once home to a group of monks called Dominicans.
History of Kilmallock Abbey
Building the Monastery
The Abbey was started in 1291. A group of monks called the Dominicans were invited to build it. Gilbert Fitzgerald, from a powerful family known as the White Knights, asked them to come. His family, the Fitzgeralds, continued to support the Abbey for many years. They were its main "benefactors," meaning they gave money and help.
In 1320, Maurice Fitzgibbon, who was Gilbert's son, helped pay for the Abbey to get bigger. The main church building was finished in the 14th century. It was a simple rectangular shape back then. Later, in the 15th century, a tall tower was added. An amazing window with five lights was also put in on the east side of the church. The buildings have many detailed carvings. You can see flower buds and even human faces. Some of these faces might be the people who helped fund the Abbey.
Challenges and Changes
The monastery was officially closed down in 1541. This was part of a big change happening across the country. However, the monks returned to Kilmallock in 1622.
In 1645, an important visitor arrived. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Rinuccini, a special representative from the Pope, came to the Abbey. This was during a time of conflict called the Irish Confederate Wars. Just a few years later, in 1648, the Abbey faced a tough attack. Forces led by Baron Inchiquin, who worked for Oliver Cromwell, attacked and damaged the monastery. Sadly, two monks were killed right in front of the altar.
After this attack, the friars (monks) had to operate in secret. They continued their work in the area without being openly seen. This went on until the 1790s. At that point, Kilmallock Abbey was finally left empty. Today, some special chalices (cups used in religious ceremonies) are still connected to the Abbey and its past supporters.
Gallery
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Cloister
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Cloister interior
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Window with tracery
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Church interior
