Antiquities
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Antiquities in Crossmolina parish, from Irish Tourist Association Survey, 1942
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Photograph of Errew Abbey from Irish Tourist Association Survey for Crossmolina parish, 1942.
Numerous antiquities in Crossmolina parish are described in this section of the survey. Included are the following:
- Errew Abbey:- The history of the abbey is traced from its foundation by St. Tiernan in the 6th century. Up to 1400 students from all over Europe are said to have studied here. A new building appears to have been erected around the end of the 12th century. The abbey was reduced to ruins by Cromwellian settlers. There is a small ancient church or convent close by believed to have been built by St. Tiernan. The precious relic, Mias Thighernáin, or St. Tiernan's dish, is associated with Errew.
- Abbey of the Blessed Virgin at Abbeytown:- The initial notes by the surveyor state that this abbey was founded around 1300 A.D, that there is no record of activities in the abbey and that it was also destroyed by Cromwellian settlers. A subsequent addendum refers to an article on the abbey written by John Ryan and published in the Journal of the Cork Historical and Archaeological Society, Vol. XLVI (1941). The article highlights links with the priory of St. Thomas the Martyr at Ballybeg, Buttevant, Co. Cork and claims that there is proof of the existence of the abbey in 1306 A.D. According to this article, the abbey was founded by Anglo-Normans for the Canons Regular of the Order of St. Augustine.
- Gortnor Abbey:- The convent and secondary school, run by the Sisters of Jesus and Mary, was the old residence of the Ormes family.
- Ancient church at Kildavarogue:- Located in Inniscoe Demesne. Believed locally to have been built by St. Mochua who died in 637.
- Castle at Inniscoe:- All that remains are some portions of walls. It was likely to have beena a stronghold of the Burkes.
- Crossmolina Castle:- Surveyor could not ascertain whether this was a stronghold of the Burkes or the Barretts. The annals of Lough Cé state that this castle and one at Castlehill were captured and destroyed by O'Donnell of Tír Chonaill in 1526.
- Castle Island, Lough Conn:- Consists of slight remains of a small castle on an island opposite Inniscoe House.
- Pillar stone at Eskeragh:- Located around 6 miles from Crossmolina on the Belmullet road. No legend or tradition associated with it.
In addition to the above, there are numerous raths and forts in the parish but none of any major importance.
Photographs of some of the antiquities were included in the survey. These may be viewed by clicking on the links below:
Shrine at Abbeytown, Crossmolina
Reputed grave of St. Tiernan, Errew Abbey
Cloisters, Errew Abbey.