Athenry Abbey

53°17′54″N 8°44′40″W / 53.298236°N 8.744544°W / 53.298236; -8.744544Public accessyesOfficial nameAthenry AbbeyReference no.164

The Priory Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Athenry, also called Athenry Priory, is a medieval Dominican priory and National Monument located in Athenry, Ireland.^[1][2][3][4]

Location

Athenry Abbey is located in the eastern part of Athenry, east of the Clarinbridge River.^[5][6]

History

Meyler de Bermingham was the founder in 1241.^[7] Other local notables funded it: Feidlim Ua Conchobair, King of Connacht built the refectory; Owen Ó hEidhin (King of Uí Fiachrach Aidhne) built the dormitory and Conchobar Ó Cellaigh of Uí Maine the chapter house. The priory initially stood on the edge of the town walls, but was later enveloped by them.

A provincial chapter was held at Athenry in 1242. Flann Mac Flainn, Archbishop of Tuam, built a house for scholars in the 1250s. Founder Meyler was buried in the priory in 1252. His son William de Bermingham was Archbishop of Tuam; he had a dispute with the monastery in 1297 but was buried there in 1312.^{[citation needed]}

The refectory (now destroyed) was built around 1265, with the chapel completed before 1340.^{[citation needed]}

In 1324, William Liath de Burgh left money to enlarge the church and priory, a task completed by 1345. Joanna de Ruffur died in 1408 and left money to construct a new east window and windows in the choir.^{[citation needed]}

Athenry Priory was burned in 1423; indulgences were granted by Pope Martin V and Pope Eugene IV to those who contributed to its repair. 1451, the friars built a chapel on land north of the river at Carrowardahrah, granted by Ulick Ruadh Burke.^{[citation needed]}

The monastery was dissolved in 1574.^{[citation needed]}

Athenry Abbey was burned during the uprising of William mac an Iarla Burke in the 1570s. Regular Observant Friars reoccupied it 1595–7.^{[citation needed]}

In the 1640s the historian James Ware acquired the Register of the priory.^{[citation needed]}

Athenry was re-revived as a university in 1644, before being shut down by Cromwellians in 1652. The friars last occupied Athenry priory between 1685 and 1698.^{[citation needed]}

In the 18th century the priory was used as a military barracks. The last de Bermingham to be buried at Athenry was Lady Mathilda Bermingham (d. 1788).^[8] The tower collapsed around 1790. Lady Mathilda's tomb, a Coade stone monument, was broken into in 2002, perhaps by thieves.^[9]

Clerics Associated with Athenry Abbey

• Dominic de Burgo (Dominic Burke) OP, Bishop of Elphin, professed in Athenry in 1648
• Dominic Burke OP, returned to Athenry as Prior in 1642
• Edmund Bourke OP, priest and academic, processed in Athenry in 1683
• Thomas Burke OP, served as prior in San Sisto Rome, before serving as Prior in Athenry (1687-1698)
• William Burke OP, provincial of the order, served as Prior of Athenry
• Gerald Davok, STM OP, prior of Athenry 1663

Buildings

The remains consist of nave, chancel and a northern aisle and transept, and tombs from the 13th–15th centuries.

The tall lancet windows in the chancel are probably 13th century while the remainder is 14th century.^[10][11]

• 
  The abbey in winter
• 
  Sunset over the abbey church
• 
  Another view

References