Summary: Monasteries
Key dates:
Abbeys and monasteries were important buildings in the middle ages. Not only were they where the members of religious orders lived, but they were often a focal point for the local community. Some people worked on the monastery farmland while others benefited from the schools or infirmaries which existed at most monasteries. The picture below shows the ruins of a Francisan abbey in Co. Clare which was built in 1240 by Donogh Cairbreach O'Brien for the Francisan friars. It was regarded as one of the principal converts of the order in Ireland. In 1305 it was enlarged by Turlough O'Brien who was buried here.
|
