On Abbey Street in Roscrea, are the remnants of a Franciscan Friary. The remains consist of the North wall, East gable and bell-tower. Originally the friary consisted of a nave and chancel church divided by the crenelated bell-tower, two storeys high. The tower rises to sixty feet, and serves as an entrance to the modern Roman Catholic Church.
The earliest records referring to the Franciscan order in Roscrea date back to 1470. While the exact founder remains a subject of debate, the most likely candidate is Maolruany na Feasóige, who passed away in 1443. Another plausible founder is Maolruany O’Carroll, with references to his involvement in the Friary’s establishment found on his tomb dated 1523. Unfortunately, historical records concerning the Franciscans in Roscrea are limited, leaving some aspects of its foundation unclear.
In 1568, an inquisition detailed the Friary’s layout, which included a house for the friars, a dormitory, the prior’s chamber, a chapel, a cemetery, a garden, and two orchards. Following the dissolution of monasteries in the 1540s, the site was granted to Thomas, 10th Earl of Ormond. Although the friars continued to inhabit the monastery for a time, they were ultimately expelled in 1579, leading to the Friary’s gradual decline into ruin.
The two-storey bell tower is supported by high pointed arches and features various mason’s marks in the stonework, with surviving fragments of the Friary cloister garth.
The north wall of the chancel features two intact twin-light ogee-headed windows, complete with hollow spandrels and external hood-mouldings. The east gable once showcased a pointed, mullioned window, now blocked by an adjoining house.
In the early 1800s, the Friary was partially dismantled during the construction of the parish church. Today, the bell tower, north wall, and east gable are repurposed as the entrance to the modern church, likely built on the site of the original cloister. Cemented into the base of the bell tower are architectural fragments from the Friary, preserving a link to its storied past.
