This friary was founded for the Franciscan Observants in 1465 by Cormac Láidir Mac Carthaigh, Lord of Muskerry. (Stong Charles McCarthy)
The name Kilcrea means the Church of Cré, a woman who founded a hermitage here before the time of the Franciscans. The friary is a fine example of an Irish Franciscan Monastery and most of it survives in good condition. The church features a fine, slender tiwer which was used as a belfry. Within the building are the burial places of Art Ó Laoire (O'Leary) and Cormac Láidir MacCarthaigh.
On the north side of the church is the cloister area and the domestic buildings. These include the remains of the chapter room - where the business of the monastery was done - the refectory or dining room and dormitories. Adjoining the chancel of the church is the sacristy, above which is the monastery scriptorium. This was the best lit room in the monastery and where the friars worked on their manuscripts. A fifteenth century manuscript written within Kilcrea is preserved in Rennes, France.
Kilcrea was attacked several times by the English following the suppression of the monasteries during the sixteenth century. In 1599 English soldiers were stationed in Kilcrea castle (Look across road), located nearby, when Cormac MacOermot moved from here to Blarney castle. It was now impossible for the friars to frequent their church as Kilcrea castle directly overlooks the friary. It was probably during this year that the soldiers killed Matthew O'Leyn, an elderly Kilcrea friar. In 1650 it was occupied by Cromwellian soldiers.
The connection of the Franciscans with the monastery continued, however 1880 marked the end of the Franciscan tradition in Kilcrea and in 1892 it was taken over by the Board of Works as an architectural monument.
Please note the rememberance plaque located towards the back of the friary
In loving memory of
Charles (Strong) MacCarthy
Lord of Muskerry
The person who built this Friary
for the order of St Francis and put it under the patronage of Bríde/Bridget
Died in 1494
May the blessings of God be with him for his Good deed
The commemeration committee 1965 - 1966
Erected this plaque in his honour over his grave
Please note that the nearby castle is on private property, and as such, are off limits.
Please Do Not Take A Geocoin or Travelbug Unless You Will Log It On The Geocaching Website!!
There is another cache at the Franciscan Friary at Timoleague.
Please replace cache appropriately. Thank You