Timoleague Franciscan Friary
Timoleague Franciscan Friary
Timoleague Franciscan Friary
4.5
About
Timoleague Village is located in the heart of West Cork, just 45 minutes from Cork City and is close for the following villages and towns of West Cork such as Kinsale, Innishannon, Rosscarberry, Bandon, Inchydoney, Clonakilty and its close seaside neighbour Courtmacsherry. Timoleague Abbey is the main focal point in the village and it stands picturesquely at the water's edge at the head of a long sea inlet. Timoleague Abbey has been chosen as one of the main Discovery points on the Wild Atlantic way.In its day it was one of the largest and most important of the religious houses in Ireland. It was founded by one of the MacCarthys for the Franciscans in 1240, on the site already associated with St. Molaga - hence the name Timoleague, i.e. Tigh Molaga or the House of Molaga. Like all such monasteries, it was suppressed during the Reformation but the monks stayed in the district and returned in 1604 to repair it and bring it back to life. It must have recovered to some degree: the important MSS, known as the Book of Lismore, was in its keeping in 1629. It is said that the monks did a goodly trade in smuggled Spanish wine! Timoleague has its own Bird Sanctuary area for those with outdoor interests, and for the surfers, they can experience surfing at the Blue Flag Beach at Inchydoney, the Michael Collins Experience in Clonakilty for those interested in local history and for the walkers and water lovers,the Seven Heads Walkway and Courtmacsherry bay are the ideal places to explore.. Take a boat trip from Baltimore and explore the Islands off Baltimore such as Sherkin Island and Cape Clear Island for some great scenery and wildlife.For Food Lovers the area offers some of the best Dining options in Ireland and specialise in local produce. Timoleague is the ideal base to explore all that West Cork has to offer and has several accommodation options including Caravan and Camping and BB options ... See Failte Ireland for full route details of The Wild Atlantic Way We look forward to Welcoming you to our beautiful part of the Country...
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4.5
102 reviews
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Go19317
Amman, Jordan1 contribution
As we rounded the curving road towards Courtmacsherry Bay, we saw an imposing stucture in the distance. We were compelled to stop and take a closer look. The ravages of man and time had taken their toll, but the imposing remains left us deeply moved. It remains a sacred place as in the past and present its walls serve to enclose a grave site. We enjoyed the aurora and feeling, wondering about the early occupants. It is definitly a site not to be missed, on of the highlights of our drive through the Beara Peninusla.
Written 20 July 2003
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pincheck
London, UK83 contributions
Jul 2017 • Solo
This was an interesting little find, whilst out on a drive along the south coast. I just like it when you get the rare opportunity to see a piece of history without ticket barriers, 'helpful' guides, pamphlets, display cases and exorbitant prices! There's not a great deal to look at, but I would definitely say it's worth a quick peek. There was no one there at all when I arrived, early in the evening, which was even better for enjoying the tranquility.
Written 26 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marguerite W
Cape Town Central, South Africa533 contributions
The ruins if this old Franciscan Friary dominate your view of the pretty village of Timoleague on the SW Coast of Ireland. It is situated right at the top end of Courtmacsherry Bay & one can only imagine what a commanding view of the bay it enjoyed in years gone by.
Entry is free
There is also a cemetery inside the Monastry area.
It is an interesting & worthwhile visit esp for anyone interested in pre Reformation Christianity ...,,,,
Entry is free
There is also a cemetery inside the Monastry area.
It is an interesting & worthwhile visit esp for anyone interested in pre Reformation Christianity ...,,,,
Written 10 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joseph B
Perth, Australia276 contributions
Jul 2014 • Couples
We took the short drive from Kinsale and visited the old monastery/friary and the tiny village of Timoleague . It's a pleasant, quite spot and you can walk around the historic ruins and graveyard. It dates back to the Norman invasion and you can see how the buildings were sacked then rebuilt using different types of stonework etc. Its a nice peaceful place to visit, take a picnic and sit by the waterside and stroll around the ruins. PJ Barker, author of the novel Changing Pillion.
Written 3 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julivert J
Barcelona, Spain67 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
... Beautiful place with a lot of history and moss. Sunny at sunset and then a drizzle turned the rocks in something else. Cool stop in our way to Waterford. Nice pics.
Written 6 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ActRegular_traveller
Canberra, Australia2,589 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
If you are driving the Wild Atlantic Way it is worth stopping here for a look, but don't expect wonders. It is your fairly standard "Sacked by Cromwell's troops" abbey. The setting is promising - we were there at low tide, but I expect it would be a lot nicer with water in the harbour. Plenty of parking & it was free.
Written 13 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MHarbert
Arnprior, Canada35 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
Worth the stop to visit,beautiful views, ancient structure
self guided, there is no admission charge, and the structure is just stunning to walk through
self guided, there is no admission charge, and the structure is just stunning to walk through
Written 9 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CodyMav
Gold Coast, Australia27,270 contributions
Oct 2016 • Solo
I took a coast approach, driving from Cork to Killarney, and happened upon this OPW site.
Easy parking, and direct access (between restoration work). Glad I stopped.
Easy parking, and direct access (between restoration work). Glad I stopped.
Written 8 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DrQuinnVA
McLean, VA82 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
We visited the Friary on a rainy day, which added to its mystique. Its history parallels the journey of the Catholic Church in Ireland - and its demise is a stark reminder of the horrors wrought in the name of the "Church" of England by Oliver Cromwell. The town has continued to use portions of the Friary as a cemetary, so some graves and stones are from recent eras. It is free for visiting and there are no guides to interfere or impact your experience.
Written 7 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David S
Western Ireland, Ireland932 contributions
Nov 2014 • Solo
An Irish poet wrote of the sacking of the Franciscan Friary of Timoleague by Cromwells soldiers in the sixteenth century lamenting the loss of such a fine building....Luckily the ruins are still standing for us to see and explore but what a hauntingly beautiful building it must have been standing on the shoreline in all it's finery before such wanton destruction of the stained glass and interior stonework and roof. Great atmosphere, wonderful Irish history, great views and a photo opportunity not to be missed
Well recommended on a visit to West Cork and is a must see in any itinerary...
Well recommended on a visit to West Cork and is a must see in any itinerary...
Written 11 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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