Quin Friary, County Clare Travel Guide

4.7 (428)

Discover Quin Friary: A remarkably preserved Franciscan abbey with medieval architecture and a rich history in County Clare, Ireland.

Explore the remarkably preserved ruins of Quin Friary, a 15th-century Franciscan abbey built upon the remains of a 13th-century Anglo-Norman castle. Wander through the intact cloister, admire the bell tower, and discover centuries of Irish history in this serene setting in the village of Quin.

A brief summary to Quin Friary

Quin, Quin, Co. Clare, IE

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Quin Friary.

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience and better lighting for photography.
Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the grounds involves walking on uneven surfaces.
Take some time to savor the local cuisine at nearby cafes.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Clare Abbey

Old Quarry

Oisin's Dolmen

Knappogue Castle

Cliff walk

Explore Quin Friary on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Quin Friary, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Ennis, take Bus Éireann route 317 or 318 to Quin. The bus stops in the center of Quin, a short 3-minute walk to the Friary. A single adult fare from Ennis to Quin costs approximately €3.
Walking

From the center of Quin village, Quin Friary is a short walk. Follow the road past the modern Catholic Church; the Friary will be visible on your left.
Car

From Ennis, drive east on the R469 for approximately 11km. As you enter Quin village, you will see signs for Quin Friary. Turn onto the local road; the Friary will be on your left. Free parking is available near the site.

Discover more about Quin Friary

Quin Friary, also known as Quin Abbey, is located in the village of Quin in County Clare, Ireland. The friary stands as a testament to centuries of Irish history and architecture. Founded in 1433 by the Franciscan order, the abbey was built incorporating the walls of a Norman castle constructed in 1280. This strategic reuse of the castle's foundations gives the friary a unique character, blending military and religious architectural styles.Visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins, including the elegant bell tower and the charming cloister, considered one of the best examples of its kind in Ireland. The friary's history is marked by periods of both prosperity and persecution, with Franciscan monks maintaining a presence here until the 19th century. The local MacNamara clan were significant benefactors. Within the transept lies the grave of John 'Fireball' Mac Namara.Today, Quin Friary is managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and is open to the public. A visit to Quin Friary offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the atmosphere of a medieval monastic site.