Augustinian Priory


North of Adare village, on the N21 and close to the bridge over the River Maigue, is the Church of Ireland parish church, once the Augustinian priory, founded in 1316 and also known as the Black Abbey. The interior of the church is agreeable enough, but the real joy is the atmospheric little cloister.

A pleasant, signposted riverside path, with wayside seats, starts from just north of the priory gates. Look for a narrow access gap and head off alongside the river. After about 250m, turn left along the road to return to the centre of Adare.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Adare Castle

0.16 MILES

Dating from around 1200, this picturesque Norman ruin changed hands several times before being entirely wrecked by Cromwell's troops in 1657, by which…

2. Church of the Holy Trinity

0.25 MILES

The dramatic tower and southern wall of the Church of the Holy Trinity date from the 13th-century Trinitarian priory that was restored by the first Earl…

3. Adare Heritage Centre

0.29 MILES

In the middle of Adare, exhibits here explain the history and medieval context of the village's buildings in entertaining fashion. Quality Irish crafts…

4. Franciscan Friary

0.38 MILES

The ruins of this friary, founded by the Earl of Kildare in 1464, stand serenely in the middle of Adare Golf Club beside the River Maigue. Public access…

5. Carrigogunnell Castle

5.69 MILES

At the small village of Clarina, west of Mungret on the N69, turn right to head north for around 1.5km to a crossroads. Turn left and you'll see high up…

6. Desmond Castle

8.27 MILES

Located on an island in the River Deel, this magnificent ruin is undergoing a slow process of restoration which began in 2007. Local historian and expert…

7. Askeaton Friary

8.4 MILES

This magnificent Franciscan friary ruin dates to 1389 and includes a fine cloister. Contact the tourist office for tours by resourceful local historian…

8. Daniel O'Connell Monument

9.02 MILES

This bronze statue of Daniel O'Connell, depicting the hero of Catholic emancipation as a Roman senator complete with toga, was unveiled in 1857. It stands…