Aerial view showing close proximity
of Castle and Priory.
Within the demesne of Portumna Castle exist, the ruins of Portumna Priory built around 1254.
It was originally a Cistercian chapel, a sister house of the monastery at Dunbrody, Co Wexford.
In 1426 the priory was taken over by the Dominicans when a papal indulgence was granted for its completion.
The Priory came under the patronage of the Earl of Clanricarde, de Burgo, in 1577 and contains the tomb of the Earl and his wife, although the location is unknown.
During the Reformation the Priory was suppressed and then revived again in 1640.
Eventually it was abandoned by the Friars when their numbers reduced to three in 1712 .
After lying unused for fifty years Portumna Priory was taken over by the Anglican Church of Ireland until 1832 when they built their own church.
The Cloisters
were partially restored in 1954 by the Office of Public Works.
The long shadows where monks once strolled
They stand as sentinels of a bygone age.
Under the splendid arches to the chancery window.
I felt nothing but a contemplative peacefulness as I strolled
around.
As with Portumna Castle, the ruins of the Priory are now a national monument.
