Kilmallock Abbey

Kilmallock Abbey
Mainistir Chill Mocheallóg

Monastery information
Other names St. Saviour's Priory
Order Dominican
Established 1291
Disestablished 1790
Architecture
Heritage designation Irish National Monument
Site
Coordinates 52°24′09″N 8°34′30″W / 52.402439°N 8.574891°W / 52.402439; -8.574891Coordinates: 52°24′09″N 8°34′30″W / 52.402439°N 8.574891°W / 52.402439; -8.574891

Kilmallock Abbey (Irish: Mainistir Chill Mocheallóg) or St. Saviour's Priory is a 13th-century Dominican Friary in the town of Kilmallock on the banks of the River Loobagh.

History

The Abbey was established in 1291 when the Dominicans were invited to build a monastery by Gilbert Fitzgerald of the White Knights. The Fitzgeralds continued to be the main benefactors of the Abbey, including the expansion funded by Maurice Fitzgerald in 1320. The church dates from the 14th century, and was a simple rectangular building.[1] A tower and ornate five-light east window were added to the church in the 15th century.[2] The buildings have extensive carved details, including flower buds and human heads[3] some of whom may represent the benefactors of the abbey.[2]

The monastery was dissolved in 1541, with the monks returning in 1622. In 1645 the Papal Legate, Cardinal Runnicini, visited during the Confederate Wars.[2] It was sacked by Cromwellian forces led by Lord Inchiquin in 1648. Two monks were put to death in front of the altar. From then the friars operated clandestinely in the area, until the 1790s when the abbey was finally abandoned.[1] There are a number of chalices that are associated with the abbey and its various benefactors.[3][4]

References

  1. 1 2 "Kilmallock Churches". Limerick Diocese Heritage. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
  2. 1 2 3 Jackman, Neil (21 February 2015). "This dramatic Derry clifftop estate was a magnet for high society". The Journal. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
  3. 1 2 "Limerick Castle" (PDF). Limerick City Council. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
  4. ↑ Crowe, J. (1889). "Notice of the Kilmallock Chalice". The Journal of the Royal Historical and Archaeological Association of Ireland. 9 (40): 216–217. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
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