friaries antrim

Remains of Franciscan friary founded in 1485 by Rory MacQuillan. Many interesting features including a burial vault containing the remains of the celebrated MacDonnell chieftain, Sorley Boy, as well as several Earls of Antrim. East range of cloister, gatehouse and church virtually complete except for roof. Free access always. On A2 1/2 mile east of Ballycastle....

As this order was more involved in parish work than the First Order communities, particularly in the less anglicised parts of Connacht and Ulster, its buildings are less ambitious - and Bonamargy is no exception. One of the last friaries to be built before the Reformation, it was approached by a small, two-storey gate-house. The friary church, originally roofed with thatch, is long and rectangular, and retains much of a fine east window. Against the south wall is a fine McNaghten tomb of 163...