Ross Errilly Friary
Explore one of Ireland's best-preserved medieval Franciscan friaries, a serene and atmospheric site with centuries of history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical light
Ross Errilly Friary
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore one of Ireland's best-preserved medieval Franciscan friaries, a serene and atmospheric site with centuries of history.
"A must-see for its magic, history, and impressive preservation, offering a peaceful escape into the past."
🚶♀️ Explore Every Nook
Don't rush! Wander through countless nooks and crannies, discovering tombs, graves, and hidden details.
🚗 Mind the Narrow Lane
The approach is a narrow lane, best suited for smaller vehicles. Buses are unlikely to fit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Intact Kitchen Pond
Kitchen area
Discover the fascinating medieval kitchen with its intact pond, once used to keep live fish for meals.
Whispering Stone Carvings
Various walls and eaves
Explore intriguing etchings and carvings on the ancient walls and eaves, hinting at centuries of history.
The Tranquil Grounds
Exterior grounds
Wander the peaceful grounds surrounding the friary, enjoying different views and the serene atmosphere.
Medieval Monastic Architecture
Entire friary complex
Marvel at one of Ireland's best-preserved medieval monastic sites, showcasing stunning stone architecture.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Navigating the Lane
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Explore Every Nook
Don't rush! Wander through countless nooks and crannies, discovering tombs, graves, and hidden details.
🚗 Mind the Narrow Lane
The approach is a narrow lane, best suited for smaller vehicles. Buses are unlikely to fit.
📸 Capture the Light
Visit during golden hour for stunning, magical light that enhances the ruins' atmosphere.
🗑️ Pack Out Your Trash
Help keep this beautiful site clean by taking all your rubbish with you.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Explore Every Nook
Don't rush! Wander through countless nooks and crannies, discovering tombs, graves, and hidden details.
🚗 Mind the Narrow Lane
The approach is a narrow lane, best suited for smaller vehicles. Buses are unlikely to fit.
📸 Capture the Light
Visit during golden hour for stunning, magical light that enhances the ruins' atmosphere.
🗑️ Pack Out Your Trash
Help keep this beautiful site clean by taking all your rubbish with you.
ℹ️ Seek Local Info
While information signs are sparse, local historians offer tours during Heritage Week.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Ross Errilly Friary for its well-preserved medieval architecture, fascinating nooks, and peaceful atmosphere. Many appreciate the easy access and free entry, though some note a lack of detailed information on-site. The secluded location and unique features like the kitchen pond add to its charm.
"Nice place to visit, easy access, free parking. Could do with some more information signs as there's only one at the entrance.
Currently it's quite well preserved with some good quality stone architecture. Some odd additions which have blocked up some of the original layout. Information boards about this would be interesting.
Quite clean but some people are too lazy to take there rubbish away with them."
Dave J
"We spent a lot of time here, wandering from room to room. Very well preserved. So many nooks and crannies to explore. Old tombs and graves. Intriguing etchings on the walls and carvings in the eaves. I loved the intact pond/well in the kitchen where they once kept live fish. Decent parking for a few small cars. I wouldn't do it in a bus or van."
Jennifer Depew
"An amazing location inside and out. It has great parking and when you access the interior it is full of surprises as you can explore the different rooms and after your finishes inside, why not walk around the grounds and enjoy it different views and off course there is a lovely lake to its rear, cheers"
Michael Raj Groves
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ross Errilly Friary is located in Headford, Co. Galway. Access is via a narrow lane, so it's best suited for cars. Public transport options are limited, so driving is recommended.
Yes, there is parking available on-site. However, it's described as decent for a few small cars and may not accommodate larger vehicles or buses. +1
Due to the narrow access lane, it's unlikely that tour buses can reach the friary. It's primarily accessible by private car.
The best approach is by car, being mindful of the narrow lane leading to the site. This helps maintain the secluded atmosphere.
While parking is available, the narrow lane leading to the friary can be challenging for larger vehicles like vans or buses.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ross Errilly Friary is a National Monument and generally accessible without an entrance fee, making it a free attraction.
As an open-air historical site, Ross Errilly Friary typically does not have set opening hours and can be visited during daylight hours. However, it's always good to check for any local advisories.
No, there is no admission fee to visit Ross Errilly Friary, as it is a National Monument.
Guided tours are sometimes offered, particularly during Heritage Week, led by local historians. Keep an eye on local listings for these opportunities.
The friary is an open site, so you can generally visit during daylight hours. However, it's advisable to check for any local event schedules that might affect access.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore well-preserved medieval monastic architecture, discover intriguing stone carvings, wander through numerous rooms and nooks, and enjoy the serene grounds and nearby lake.
Visitors often spend a good amount of time exploring the many rooms and grounds, with some suggesting you could spend hours here.
Absolutely! The ruins offer dramatic and atmospheric shots, especially during golden hour. Many photographers capture its beauty. 
Currently, there is limited information available on-site, with only one sign at the entrance. Bringing your own research or joining a guided tour can enhance the experience.
The atmosphere is often described as magical, peaceful, and full of history, partly due to its secluded location and the presence of many crows.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons, especially during the golden hour, offer the most magical light for capturing the ruins.
The atmospheric ruins are perfect for landscape, architectural, and even elopement photography, capturing the historical and mystical feel.
While not explicitly stated, drone usage may be subject to local regulations. It's always best to check with local authorities or the site management if possible.
The kitchen with its pond, the intricate stone carvings, and the overall structure of the friary are highly photogenic. The surrounding grounds also offer beautiful perspectives.
Yes, photography is generally permitted within the friary ruins and grounds, allowing you to capture its historical details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there are limited information boards, the sheer scale and mystery of the ruins can be captivating for kids. Encourage them to look for carvings and imagine life centuries ago. The surrounding grounds also offer space to roam. Remember to bring snacks and water, and ensure children are supervised due to the historical nature of the site.
📸 Photographers & History Buffs
+1History enthusiasts will be enthralled by the opportunity to explore one of Ireland's best-preserved medieval monastic sites. The friary's history dates back to 1351, and its intact structures offer a rare glimpse into medieval monastic life. While on-site information is sparse, the experience of walking through these ancient walls is profoundly immersive. Consider researching the friary's history beforehand or looking for local guided tours to deepen your understanding.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
Wander at your own pace, exploring every corner and reflecting on the lives of the friars who once inhabited these walls. The serene grounds and the quiet ambiance make it an ideal spot for introspection and enjoying the beauty of ancient ruins without the hustle and bustle of more crowded attractions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Medieval Life
The friary's location by the Black River adds to its serene and somewhat mystical ambiance. The presence of numerous crows, often seen perched on the ancient stones, further enhances this feeling, contributing to the site's unique character. It's a place where history feels alive, inviting contemplation and discovery.
While the friary is a National Monument and free to visit, information on-site is minimal. For a richer understanding, consider researching its history beforehand or seeking out local guided tours, which are sometimes available during heritage events.
Exploring the Architectural Marvels
Key features include the remarkably intact kitchen, complete with a pond that was once used to store live fish – a testament to medieval ingenuity in food preservation. Intricate carvings on walls and eaves offer glimpses into the artistic sensibilities of the era, while the overall layout provides insight into the monastic way of life. The friary's structure allows visitors to wander through numerous rooms and spaces, fostering a sense of exploration and discovery.
Despite its historical importance, the friary has seen some later additions that have altered parts of the original layout. Understanding these changes can add another layer to the visitor's appreciation of the site's evolution. The site's preservation is a testament to its robust construction and the care it has received over the centuries.
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