Franciscan Abbey & Graveyard, Connacht Travel Guide

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Discover Athlone's Franciscan Abbey & Graveyard: a serene historical landmark offering a peaceful escape and a glimpse into Ireland's past.

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Franciscan Abbey & Graveyard

Explore the serene ruins of the Franciscan Abbey and Graveyard in Athlone, a historical landmark dating back to the 13th century. Wander through the ancient graveyard, admire the remnants of Gothic architecture, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this sacred space.

A brief summary to Franciscan Abbey & Graveyard

1 Coosan Rd, Athlone, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, N37 WY94, IE

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Franciscan Abbey & Graveyard.

Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for a quieter experience and better lighting for photography.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the grounds may have uneven surfaces.
Bring a camera to capture the architecture and serene landscapes.
Take time to read the inscriptions on the gravestones to get a sense of the local history.

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Explore Franciscan Abbey & Graveyard on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Franciscan Abbey & Graveyard, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From Athlone Town Centre, walk southeast on Church Street towards Pearse Street. Continue onto the N61 (Athlone Bypass) for about 1.5 km, passing Athlone Castle. At the roundabout, take the second exit to stay on the N61. After 200 meters, turn left onto Coosan Road. The Franciscan Abbey and Graveyard is on your left at 1 Coosan Road.
Public Transport

From Athlone Bus Station, take Bus Éireann routes A1 or A2 towards Monksland or Creggan Court. Get off at the Coosan Road stop. Walk about 300 meters down Coosan Road towards the town center. The Franciscan Abbey and Graveyard will be on your right. A single adult fare is €2.00, or €1.50 with a TFI Leap Card.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Athlone town center. A taxi from the town center to the Franciscan Abbey & Graveyard (1 Coosan Rd) typically costs between €10-€15, depending on the starting point.

Discover more about Franciscan Abbey & Graveyard

The Franciscan Abbey and Graveyard in Athlone offers a captivating glimpse into Ireland's rich ecclesiastical past. The site, located on Coosan Road, dates back to the 13th century, with the Franciscans establishing a presence in Athlone around 1235. While there's no definitive proof of the original friary's location, tradition suggests it was on Northgate Street.Visitors can explore the remnants of the abbey's structure, showcasing stonework and architectural details. The graveyard surrounding the abbey holds centuries of stories, with weathered headstones and tombs. The atmosphere is tranquil, offering a space for reflection and connection with Ireland's spiritual and cultural heritage. The grounds, with lush greenery, enhance the peaceful environment.The friary church, though in ruins since the 19th century, is thought to have been built around 1690. However, war interrupted its completion in the 1690s. Despite its unfinished state, the graveyard served as Athlone's main burial ground until the 1870s. There is evidence suggesting the graveyard may have been an early Christian site, attracting the Franciscans in the 17th century. Today, the inscriptions on the headstones mainly date back to the 18th and 19th centuries.