At the mouth of the River Moy, just 3.5km from Killala, County Mayo, visitors will find the remains of Moyne Abbey, which was founded in 1460 for the Franciscans. The extensive ruin includes an interesting, cruciform church with a bell tower.
In 1460, Moyne Abbey was established in County Mayo, just 3.5km from Killala. The founder of the Observantine Franciscan monastery was likely McWilliams Bourke or a member of the Barrett family.
The impressive ruin includes a cruciform church, chapel, tower and cloisters. Visitors can also explore the sacristy, chapter house, kitchen and refectory, under which a stream flows.
The abbey was burned by Sir Richard Bingham in 1590, but it’s believed friars continued to reside there until about 1800.
Tips from locals
Continue 6km south along the Moy Estuary to see another beautifully preserved 15th century monastic ruin, Rosserk Abbey.
