North Abbey, Youghal facts for kids
The Priory of Our Lady of Graces, also known as the North Abbey, was an old monastery in Youghal, County Cork, Ireland. It was built in the 1200s by Dominican monks.
A Look Back in Time
This special place was started in 1268. A powerful man named Thomas FitzMaurice FitzGerald built it. His family had also built another monastery nearby, the Franciscan Friary of South Abbey, Youghal.
The monks who lived here were part of the Dominican Order. This is a group of Christian monks who follow the teachings of Saint Dominic.
At first, the priory was called the 'Holy Cross'. But in the late 1400s, its name changed to 'Our Lady of Graces'. This happened after a small, beautiful ivory statue of the Madonna and Child was found there.
This statue made Youghal a very important place for people who followed Marian devotion. Many people came to visit and pray.
However, in the 1500s, King Henry VIII closed down many monasteries in Ireland and England. The Priory of Our Lady of Graces was one of them. The special statue was then moved. You can now find it in St Mary's Dominican Priory in Cork City.
A writer named Samuel Lewis wrote about the priory in 1837. He said that parts of the old building, like the western wall, could still be seen. He also mentioned that a new chapel was built nearby in 1817, on the grounds of the old priory.
What's There Today
Today, you can still see some of the old ruins of the priory. The area around it is also used as the main cemetery for Youghal.
Important People Buried Here
Many important people were buried at the priory, including:
- Thomas FitzGerald, 2nd Baron Desmond
- John FitzGerald, 4th Earl of Desmond
- James FitzGerald, 6th Earl of Desmond
- James FitzGerald, 8th Earl of Desmond
- Thomas FitzGerald, 11th Earl of Desmond
Images for kids
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Remains of the west gable
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Remains of a decorated pillar
