Franciscan Friary, Killarney

The South Window

The south window, above the organ gallery, is of very beautiful stained glass. It is one of the finest examples of a Clarke studio window, designed by Richard King. Erected in 1930, it depicts the persons of the Holy Trinity, scenes from the Seven Joys of the Blessed Virgin, and the Stigmatisation of St Francis of Assisi.

The Friary

The Friary itself, where the friars live was built in different stages. The original west wing was occupied in 1866, while the rest of the building took until 1875 to complete.

Besides being a house of prayer and a centre of pastoral activity, the Friary functioned as a novitiate for aspirants to the Franciscan Order since 1872 until 1999.

The Tower

The erection of the tower brought the construction of the Friary to a conclusion. This was designed by Pugin and Ashlin of Dublin. It stands at a height of 43 metres.

In 1878, Brother Patrick Dalton, a native of Glin, County Limerick, together with one mason and five labourers, set about constructing the tower. The stone for the main part of the building came from Killorglin and Firies, while the smooth stone of the belfry and spire came from Kanturk, County Cork. The upper stone-work was executed by Daniel McNamara, a skilled craftsman from Kanturk.

Outside the main door of the church, stands another work from the untiring hands of Brother Patrick: the stone holy-water font, still used by the faithful of Killarney .

The addition of railings and gates in this same year finished the great work begun with such high hopes and now finished with such laudable results.

The Cemetery

In the shaded tranquillity of Martyrs' Hill, beside the Friary church, lie the earthly remains of those who have lived in and loved this place. Friars young and old, native and foreign, all rest quietly, their labours done, their Master served.

"For them we humbly pray:
Perfect them in your love.
O may we share eternal day
With them in heaven above".

(Office for the Dead)
. Patrick Younge, OFM