Religious Foundations in Cashel and Emly

Ancient Modern

The traveller in Ireland notices many ruined buildings. The location and architecture of monastic buildings often allow for instant identification of the builders.
An important social need was provided by the hospitals run by the Benedictines, Cistercians orders of nuns and Knights Templar. Suppression of monasteries at the order of Henry VIII began in 1536. Resistance to their suppression and lack of acknowledgement of English rule meant that only half had been closed by 1543. Some continued in partial or modified use for religious purposes for some time.

Of the many forms of religious life given expression in the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly, only the Augustinian Abbey in Fethard continues in the tradition of its original foundation.Such ruins as we may see remind us of the traditions we have inherited and encourage us to witness to our faith in new ways.

Monastic Sites

The Map of Monastic Ireland (Dublin: Ordnance Survey Office, 1979) details the following foundations "from the time of Saint Patrick and other early founders, through the medieval period c.1600."
As is the intention of that publication, so here; any additional information or corrections will be gratefully received.
The following lists the sites, locations and modern parish in which they lie.