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Murrisk Friary (Irish: Mainistir Mhuraisce),[1] is a ruined Augustinian monastery located in County Mayo, Ireland. It is on the southern coast of Clew Bay, about 10km west of Westport.
Mainistir Mhuraisce
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| Monastery information | |
|---|---|
| Order | Augustinians |
| Established | 1457 |
| Disestablished | 1577 |
| People | |
| Founder(s) | Hugh O'Malley |
| Architecture | |
| Status | Inactive |
| Site | |
| Location | County Mayo, Ireland |
| Public access | Yes |
| Official name | Murrisk Abbey |
| Reference no. | 196 |
Founded in 1457, the site the friary built on is reputed to be that of the original church founded by Saint Patrick.
The abbey was likely founded by an Ó Máille, one of the Kings of Umhaill, in either the 14th or 15th century,[2] potentially in 1457.[3]
Lands were granted by Thady O'Malley in 1457 to Hugh O'Malley of Banada Friary, County Sligo who was granted permission by Callixtus III to establish a church and priory at Croagh Patrick because "the inhabitants of those parts have not hitherto been instructed in their faith."[4]
The Westport Chalice was made for the friary in 1724.[5]
All that is left of Murrisk Abbey today are ruins consisting of a church with one central aisle (with battlemented walls and a fine east window), and the east wing of the Friary buildings. Behind the main altar space, the east window is the finest feature of the ruins. There was a belfry tower at the west end of the church, all that now survives of this tower is a vault. The church also contained the tombs of the family that founded it.
Despite being suppressed at the reformation, the friary continued until 1577 when the friars were driven out - in common with friars of other Augustinian friaries, the friars remained locally ministering to their people.
53°46′55″N 9°38′22″W / 53.7820°N 9.6395°W / 53.7820; -9.6395