26/05/2026
✨This year, we are Exploring the Extraordinary beyond the Friary walls, uncovering the buildings, monuments and laneways of Ennis and their deep connections with Ennis Friary Heritage Site✨
The second site in our series is Ennis Friary itself⛪
As mentioned in our previous post on Clonroad Castle, Donnchadh Cairbreach O’Brien founded the Franciscan Friary in Ennis in 1240 as he neared the end of his life, seeking to secure the salvation of his soul. Following his death in 1242, the magnificent church was completed under King Turlough O’Brien, including the nave, chancel, and striking east window, with works finally finished by 1282. In 1314 the sacristy was added and during the 1400s, further additions included the bell tower, transept, cloister and remarkable medieval stone carvings that still survive today.
Originally established as a Franciscan Friary and School of Theology, the site remained an important centre of religious learning and worship until the upheaval of the Reformation. In 1543, King Henry VIII ordered the suppression of monasteries across Ireland and Britain. However, under the protection of the O’Brien family, the Franciscans of Ennis remained at the friary until the 1570s. During this turbulent period, the English administration repurposed the friary as a courthouse and administrative centre.
Although the friary no longer housed a large Franciscan community, it is said that there was always at least one friar hidden within the town of Ennis, continuing to provide spiritual guidance to the local people. The most famous of these was Father Dermot O’Broudin, who is believed to have lived on the Ennis Friary grounds until his death in 1617. Local legend claims that O’Broudin still haunts the tower of Ennis Friary to this day. To learn more about this fascinating character and his escapades, visit the Ennis Friary Blog👇
https://ennisfriary.wordpress.com/2025/09/28/dermot-mcbruodin-the-fool-of-christ/
By the 1600s, a new courthouse had been constructed in Ennis, and the friary entered another chapter in its long history by becoming a Protestant church, a role it served until 1871. At this point in history the Protestant congregation moved to Bindon Street, where the church remains today. The friary itself was then abandoned until 1893, when it was declared a National Monument.
Although recognised as a National Monument, the grounds remained in the ownership of the Church of Ireland until 1969, when they were gifted back to the Franciscan Order as an ecumenical gesture. By then, however, the Franciscans had already established a new church nearby and were unable to maintain both properties. Instead, they entrusted the friary to the state, with one important condition: the Franciscans could continue to be buried within the historic grounds.
Since the 1990s, Ennis Friary has operated as a seasonal visitor site and remains one of Ennis’ most treasured landmarks. This site is a remarkable witness to centuries of faith, conflict, resilience and change.
👋To learn more about the Friary or “the Abbey,” as it is known locally, please see the links below:
✍️Ennis Friary Blog:
https://ennisfriary.wordpress.com
🌐 Heritage Ireland:
https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/ennis-friary
OPW - Office of Public Works Heritage Ireland National Monuments Service - Archaeology Visit Clare Clare County Council Shannon Archaeological & Historical Society Quin Heritage Group Sixmilebridge Historical Society Quilty Action GROUP Clare Association Dublin Clare Roots Society
