Timoleague Friary was founded in the late 13th or early 14th century. The Franciscan friars who lived here devoted themselves to the strict rules of poverty and simplicity as laid down by St. Francis, so the architectural details of the building are quite plain. The earliest church was smaller than the present one but was extended when the tower was built in about 1500 by the Franciscan Bishop of Ross, Edmond de Courcy. On the west side of the cloister was the kitchen, and at the north-east corener a dining room with 5 windows overlooking the sea.
After the reformation, some of the friars returned to Timoleague and lived there on and off until 1642, when the friary and town were burnt by English soldiers under Lord Forbes.
The history of Timoleague Friary can be summarised as follows:
| c1300 |
|
Founded by the Franciscans on the site of ancient monastery of St Molaga: endowed by the Barrys and the McCarthys who are burried here. |
| 1480 |
|
Book of MacCarthaigh Riabhach of Killbrittain otherwise known as the Book of Lismore written here |
| 1495 |
|
Edmund de Courcy O.F.M., Bishop of Clogher, became Bishop of Ross and resided here: built the tower, dormitory, infirmary and library |
| 1601 |
|
Battle of Kinsale: Friary under threat from both sides as some of the Barrys and McCarthys joined Hugh O'Neill's rebellion while others remained loyal to Queen Elizabeth |
| 1603 |
|
Burial of Eoin MacEgan, Bishop-elect of Ross, killed in battle against the forces of the Queen |
| 1620 |
|
School of Philosophy established |
| c1633 |
|
Timoleague Chalice made in London: later lost but re-discovered on Cape Clear in the 1850's: Still in use. |
| 1639 |
|
Visit of Micheál Ó Cléirigh, one of the Four Masters, to copy from the Book of Lismore. |
| 1642 |
|
Friary Burnt down by Cromwellian soldiers |
| 1813 |
|
Séan Ó Coileáin wrote the poem 'Machnamh an Duine Dhoilíosaigh' (Caoineadh Thigh Molaige), Reflections of the Meloncholy Person (Lament for Timoleague) lamenting the destruction of the friary |
There is another cache at the Franciscan Friary at Kilcrea.
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