The Carmelite Abbey, Loughrea

(Discalced Carmelite Fathers)

The Carmelite community first came to Loughrea in 1300 and since then they have been a treasured part of life in the town. The ruins of the Old Abbey tell their story of the many years of service until the mid 1600s when the friars were forced to disband. To mark its long history, Mass is still said on July 16th. each year in the ruins of the old Abbey.

In 1720, during the course of some restoration work on the Old Abbey, a chalice dating back to 1641 was discovered hidden in a wall. This chalice is still used for daily Mass.

The Abbey is very popular with local people and many attend the daily and week-end Masses held there. As confessors and counsellors, the friars are popular and are available daily for those who wish to avail of their help. They are also chaplains to the nearby monastery of Carmelite nuns.

The History of  The Carmelite Abbey Loughrea dates back hundreds of years. From the Old Abbey Ruins and the Graveyard to the New Church and the Monastery.

1236 – The Abbey of Our Lady of Mount Carmel erected for the Whitefriars by Hugh de Burgo

16th Century – Suppression and destruction of the monasteries by Henry VIII

1640 – A Catholic Earl of Clanricarde allowed the Discalced Carmelite Friars to inhabit the ruins of the ancient monastery

1641-43 – Three Discalced Carmelites amongst the first victims of the Puritan persecution

1785 – A small Chapel and dwelling-house built.

1820 – The Present Church was blessed by Bishop Coen of Clonfert

 Two booklets have been published on the history of The Carmelite Abbey Loughrea to share this history.

Please click on the links below to view these booklets:

The Carmelite Abbey 1645 – 1983

The Old Abbey Loughrea 1300 – 1650

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