Portumna Abbey facts for kids
| Mainistir Phort Omna | |
Ruins of the abbey church
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 Location in Ireland
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| Monastery information | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Portomna; Portompria |
| Order | Cistercian Order (1254–1414?) Dominican Order (1426–1711) |
| Established | 1254; refounded 1426, 1640 |
| Disestablished | c. 1582, 1698, 1711 |
| Mother house | Dunbrody Abbey (Cistercian era) |
| Diocese | Clonfert |
| People | |
| Founder(s) | Murchad Ó Madáin (1426) |
| Important associated figures | Ambrose Ó Madadhan Richard Ó Madadhan Anthony McHugo Ulick Burke, 3rd Earl of Clanricarde Patrick Sarsfield, 1st Earl of Lucan |
| Architecture | |
| Status | Inactive |
| Style | Late Gothic |
| Site | |
| Location | Portumna Demesne, Portumna, County Galway |
| Coordinates | 53°05′10″N 8°13′03″W / 53.086087°N 8.217617°W |
| Visible remains | abbey church, cloister |
| Public access | yes |
| Official name | Portumna Abbey |
| Reference no. | 461 |
Portumna Abbey is an old monastery in Portumna, Ireland. It was first built by Cistercian monks in 1254. Later, it became a home for Dominican friars. A friary is a type of monastery where friars live and work. Today, Portumna Abbey is a special historical site known as a National Monument of Ireland.
Contents
Where is Portumna Abbey?
Portumna Abbey is located about 500 meters (or 550 yards) south of Portumna town. It is right next to Portumna Castle and close to the northern edge of Lough Derg, a large lake.
A Look at Its History
Early Beginnings (Cistercian Monks)
The story of Portumna Abbey began in 1254. At that time, Cistercian monks built a chapel here. Monks are religious men who live together under special rules. This chapel was dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul. It was connected to another large monastery called Dunbrody Abbey in County Wexford.
Dominican Friars Take Over
Over time, the Cistercian monastery became less active. So, in 1426, a new group of religious men, the Dominican friars, took over. Friars are similar to monks but often travel more to preach. This new friary was founded by Murchad Ó Madáin. He was a powerful lord from the O'Madden family, who ruled the area of Síol Anmchadha. The friary was dedicated to Saint Mary, Peter, and Paul.
Times of Change and Challenges
Around 1582, the friary was closed down. This was part of a big event called the Dissolution of the Monasteries. During this time, many monasteries in Ireland and England were closed by the government. Portumna Abbey was then given to Ulick Burke, 3rd Earl of Clanricarde.
However, the friary was reopened in 1640. Ambrose Ó Madadhan became the first leader, known as the prior. A prior is the head of a monastery or friary. Later, in 1691, the friars had to leave after a major battle called the Battle of Aughrim. They were formally told to leave in 1698. But some friars stayed nearby. By the early 1700s, they had moved back into the priory. The last prior, Anthony McHugo, died there in 1711. Even after this, the friars continued to live in the area for many years.
Other Uses of the Abbey
In 1631, part of the monastery was used as a Church of Ireland church. This is a different Christian church from the Catholic Church. A famous event happened here in 1689. Patrick Sarsfield, 1st Earl of Lucan, a well-known Irish soldier, married Honora Burke at the abbey. This was during a conflict known as the War of the Two Kings.
Later, between 1762 and 1810, the choir area of the church was used as the local Church of Ireland place of worship. The choir is the part of a church where the clergy and choir sit.
What You Can See Today
The church building is about 35 meters (115 feet) long. It has a nave (the main part of the church where people sit) and a chancel (the area near the altar). These two parts are separated by a tower. Inside, you can find many old graveslabs and memorial plaques. There is also a piscinal, which is a stone basin used for washing sacred vessels.
On the north side of the church, you can see the remains of a cloister and a sacristy. A cloister is an open area, usually a square garden, surrounded by covered walkways. Monks and friars used it for quiet walks and prayer. A sacristy is a room where sacred items are kept and priests prepare for services. Some parts of the arcade (a series of arches) have been rebuilt.
