Architecture of Connacht

 9th C. – Round Tower, Turlough, Co. Mayo

A well preserved round tower, now a National Monument. Not as tall as other examples, it has a round headed doorway,

10th C. – Round Tower, Kilmacduagh, Co. Galway

An unusual round tower with several unique features – the doorway is extremely high off the ground; there is a number of windows around the top;

1190 – Knockmoy Abbey, Abbeyknockmoy, Co. Galway

The Cistercian Abbey of Knockmoy was founded in 1189-90 by the King of Connacht (Cathal Crovdearg O Connor, who was buried there in 1244) in the years 1189-1190.

1218 – Boyle Abbey, Co. Roscommon

Boyle Abbey was established in 1161 under the patronage of the MacDermott’s as a daughter house of Mellifont Abbey and was completed in 1218.

1227 – St. John’s Castle, Rinndown, Co. Roscommon

Built in 1227 by King Henry III of England, populated by up to 1000 people in it’s heyday. Destroyed, ruined and forgotten in less that 150 years,

1230c – Franciscan Monastery, Claregalway, Co. Galway

Probably founded by a Norman lord, John de Cogan in the first half of the 13th century. Like other monasterys of the period,

1241 – Athenry Abbey, Co. Galway

In 1241, the Dominican Abbey was founded by Meiler de Bermingham, 2nd Lord of Athenry. Built over many years, the refectory,

1250 – Dominican Friary, Sligo, Co. Sligo

Known locally as the Abbey, this Dominican Friary was founded in the mid-13th century by Maurice FitzGerald, Baron of Offaly. The Abbey has had a turbulent history,

1250c – Strade Abbey, Co.Mayo

Originally a site of a Franciscan Friary, it was transferred to the Dominicans in 1252. Parts of the building date from the mid 13th century,

1257 – Roscommon Abbey, Co. Roscommon

Founded in 1253 and consecrated in 1257. The church originally consisted of one long aisle with lancet windows. Those on the east and west walls were replaced in the 15th century with traceried windows.