Rathfran Friary facts for kids
| Mainistir Ráth Bhrannaibh | |
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 Location in Ireland
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| Monastery information | |
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| Other names | Rathfran Friary/Priory; Rathbran; Raithbrain; Rahrany |
| Order | Dominican Order |
| Established | 1274 |
| Disestablished | 1577 |
| Diocese | Killala |
| People | |
| Founder(s) | Stephen de Exeter? |
| Architecture | |
| Status | ruined |
| Style | Norman |
| Site | |
| Location | Rathfran, Templemurry, County Mayo |
| Coordinates | 54°14′17″N 9°14′40″W / 54.238016°N 9.244378°W |
| Visible remains | Church |
| Public access | Yes |
| Official name | Rathfran Friary |
| Reference no. | 269 |
The Priory of the Holy Cross, also called Rathfran Friary, is an old Dominican monastery in County Mayo, Ireland. Today, it is a National Monument, meaning it's a protected historical site.
Contents
Where is Rathfran Friary?
Rathfran Friary is found on the north side of the Cloonaghmore River. This river flows into Killala Bay. The friary is about 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) northwest of Killala town.
The History of Rathfran Friary
How the Friary Started
The friary at Rathfran was built in 1274. It's believed that a member of the de Exeter family, perhaps Stephen de Exeter, helped to start it.
Changes Over Time
In the 1400s, some changes were made to the building. Some of the tall, narrow windows (called lancet windows) on the south wall were closed up. At the same time, a separate area called an aisle was added. Part of the main church area, known as the nave, was also rebuilt.
"Brandubh’s Fort of the Sweet Bells"
Around 1391 to 1401, a writer named Giolla Íosa Mór Mac Fir Bhisigh mentioned the priory in a famous book called the Yellow Book of Lecan. He called it Raith Branduibh as Bind Cluig, which means "Brandubh’s Fort of the Sweet Bells." This suggests it was a beautiful and important place.
Help for Building Projects
In 1438, special permissions called indulgences were given. This meant that people who donated money to help build a dining hall (a refectory) and a bell-tower at the friary would receive spiritual benefits.
By 1458, the friary was struggling. Reports said it was very poor and had suffered from wars and other problems. Donatus Ó Conchobhair, who became the Bishop of Killala from 1461 to 1467, used to be a friar at Rathfran.
A Sad Event
In February 1513, a leader named Edmond Burke was hurt at Rathfran. This was a very serious act because the church was considered a safe place, a "sanctuary," where people should not be harmed.
The Friary Closes Down
The friary was officially closed down in 1577. The land was given to Thomas de Exeter. Later, in 1590, the army of Richard Bingham burned the friary. The land was then given to William Taaffe in 1596. Even after it closed, some friars continued to live in the area until the 1700s.
What the Building Looks Like Now
The church, built in the 1200s, is a long, rectangular shape. Above the west door, you can still see a small carving of the crucifixion. The remains of a beautiful triple lancet window are visible at the east end.
To the north of the church, there were once two open courtyards called cloisters. Today, only their foundations (the parts underground) remain, showing where they used to be. The living quarters, where the friars slept and lived, are north of the church. These parts were built in the 1500s and include some of the original sacristy (a room where sacred items are kept).
Gallery
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The main part of the church, called the Nave
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A lancet window in the south wall
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Sedilia, seats for priests during services
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The south wall of the choir area
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Spaces in the wall where tombs or statues might have been
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The sacristy and where the friars lived
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The Nave and the choir area of the church
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A Piscina, a basin used for washing sacred vessels
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The Cloister foundations, showing where the courtyard once stood
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The east window of the south aisle
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Another window in the south wall
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The exterior of the South Wall
