Corpus of Electronic Texts Edition
A History of the Franciscan Order in Ireland (Author: Donagh Mooney)

Subsection 8

Irrelagh

The convent of Irrelagh.39 occupies a most solitary position in a recess of Slievelogher,40 near to Lough Lein.41 Before the late war the buildings, including the ceilings and the glass in the windows were in an excellent state of preservation. Nothing seemed wanting. But at present it is partially in ruins, and has not been inhabited by the friars for many years. Great numbers are buried in the precincts, and a multitude of people yet assemble there for purposes of devotion, for it is remote from the inhabited districts, and seldom disturbed by incursions of the English heretics.

The structure is small but well built. There is an abundance of fish, and the friars own a weir on the river flowing

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from Mangarsach.42 An Englishman having obtained a grant of this convent from the king, the people of the neighbourhood offered to purchase it from him and rebuild it. To encourage them in this laudable undertaking, I appointed two friars to the place, and nominated a holy priest to act as Syndic.

The founder was the Prince of Desmond, MacCarthy More (If I mistake not). It is in the diocese of Ardfert.