27/10/2026
✨This year, we have been Exploring the Extraordinary beyond the Friary walls, uncovering the buildings, monuments and laneways of Ennis and their deep connections with Ennis Friary Heritage Site✨
⛪Today we are exploring our last post on this series, Ennis' Modern Franciscan Friary⛪
The history of the Franciscans in Ennis began with the foundation of the medieval Friary in 1240. What remains of the ancient building is now an OPW-run heritage site and a renowned tourist destination. From the medieval Friary, turn left outside the gate, walk down Abbey Street, and turn left at the first corner onto Francis Street. In a few steps, you’ll reach the modern Franciscan Friary of Ennis, with its lovely St Mary’s Immaculate Conception Church.
The building of the modern Friary began in 1854 and went through many phases. It tells the story of efforts to save the Franciscan community of Ennis through the many historic and religious changes of the modern era.
After the dissolution of the original Friary of Ennis in the late 16th century, the friars had to resort to secret venues and different locations to carry on their mission. In 1830, they adapted a house in Bow Lane (now Old Friary Lane) to serve as their Friary. However, this three-story building did not meet the standards required for Franciscan community life. The need for a proper Friary became pressing, especially after the Provincial Chapter, held in 1852, threatened to remove the friars from Ennis unless they found a more suitable location.
In 1854, Fr Francis McLouchlin managed to buy Willow Bank House, which became the new convent for the friars and remains in use to this day. To buy the property, Fr McLouchlin had to arrange for John Kerin to be the front man, as he feared influential Protestant figures in town would not have allowed the Franciscans to make such a purchase. The next step was to build a church on the site. Funds were raised in Ennis, and Fr McLouchlin collected much more by embarking on a tour of Ireland for that purpose. The church was completed in 1855, and it is believed that Fr McLouchlin himself celebrated the first Mass on 1 January 1856.
To read more see the link below 👇
https://ennisfriary.wordpress.com/2026/10/14/the-modern-franciscan-friary-of-ennis/
Visit Ennis Visit Clare OPW - Office of Public Works Heritage Ireland Ennis Parish Franciscans Ireland Franciscan Vocations Ofm Ireland Shannon Archaeological & Historical Society Clare County Council Quin Heritage Group Clare Association Dublin
