Kilcrea Friary
The ruins of Kilcrea Friary (also called Kilcrea Abbey) are located about 8 kilometers west of Cork, near a town called Aherla (51° 51′ 53″ N 8° 43′ 24″ W).
On the site on an earlier monastery, named after Saint Cyra, Cormac Laidir MacCarthy founded the Franciscan friary in 1465 or 1466. He is interred in the middle of the choir.
It was looted by soldiers of Queen Elizabeth I and much of the complex was demolished by Cromwellians. However, as late as 1832, a few friars managed to stay on the site. The ruins have been converted into a cemetery.
About 8 kilometers west of Cork, take a left off of N22. The abbey is located about 1 to 1.5 kilometers from the N22 along a one-lane road with almost no places for passing. It is just after a very narrow stone bridge. There is also a keep nearby.
Categories: Ireland geography stubs | History of Ireland