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Ross Abbey

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Ross Abbey, officially known as Ross Errilly Friary, is one of the best-preserved medieval Franciscan friaries in Ireland. Located near Headford in County Galway, it sits on the banks of the Blackwater River in a serene, isolated landscape. Founded around 1351, the majority of the current structures date from the 15th century, showcasing a complete monastic layout. The complex includes a church with a slender square tower, a rare double cloister, and well-preserved domestic quarters. A fascinating feature of the site is the medieval kitchen, which contains a stone fish tank used by the monks to keep fresh fish caught from the nearby river. Despite numerous attempts to suppress the friary during the Reformation, the Franciscan community managed to return several times with local support. The friars finally abandoned the site in 1753 due to extreme decay and religious persecution. Today, it is a National Monument, offering visitors an atmospheric and detailed journey into Ireland's medieval monastic past.

Location: Ireland
Top sights: Kinlough Castle · Ross Errilly Friary · Moyne Castle
Nearby: Tuam (21 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	5	5	6	9	11	14	15	15	13	10	7	5
Rain mm	108	84	81	68	81	89	97	105	86	104	118	113

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Ross Abbey's ruins are open to the public year-round, allowing you to explore the remains of the 15th-century Franciscan friary. There is no set admission fee, but a donation towards preservation is kindly requested and helps maintain the site.

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Typical hours

The site is typically open during daylight hours, with longer hours in summer. Exact times vary by season, so check locally before visiting.

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Photography

Photography for personal use is permitted throughout the ruins. Tripods and commercial shoots require prior approval from site management.

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Time needed

A typical visit lasts about 30 to 45 minutes for a walk around. History enthusiasts might spend up to an hour.

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Combine with

Nearby Headford village has pubs and shops for a lunch stop. The ruins combine well with a tour of Lough Corrib or Cong.

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Getting there

Ross Abbey is just off the N84 road near Headford with limited parking. Driving is recommended as public transport is infrequent.

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Insider tip

Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Wear sturdy footwear as the ground within the ruins is uneven.

Geography

Coordinates

53.46820, -9.14190

Facts

Ross Abbey was likely founded in 1351, with major expansions in 1498.
It is considered the most complete Franciscan friary remaining in Ireland.
The stone fish tank in the kitchen is a unique surviving feature.
The friars were expelled six times between 1584 and 1753.
The site includes a rare example of a double cloistered courtyard.
It is located on the border between County Galway and County Mayo.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Lough Corrib12 km · SWExplore →

Cong13 km · NWExplore →

Lough Mask15 km · NWExplore →

Tuam21 km · EExplore →

Galway Cathedral22 km · SExplore →

Barna24 km · SExplore →

Furbo25 km · SExplore →

Spiddal27 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Ross Abbey (6)

Kinlough Castle 🏰 castle

A late medieval 16th-century tower house located near Headford.

Ross Errilly Friary ⛪ religious

A remarkably well-preserved medieval Franciscan friary and National Monument.

Moyne Castle 🏰 castle

A historic castle ruin in the surroundings of Ross Abbey.

Cloghanower Castle (ruins)🏰 castle

Heritage-listed castle ruins near Ross Abbey.

Killursa Church ⛪ religious

An ancient ecclesiastical site with ruins dating back to the early medieval period.

John the Baptist Church ⛪ religious

A church dedicated to Saint John the Baptist located near Ross Abbey.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Ross Abbey?

It is an impressively well-preserved ruin of a 14th-century Franciscan friary.

Where is Ross Abbey located?

It is located near Headford in County Galway.

Is entry free?

Yes, access to the ruins is generally free and open to the public.

What can you see there?

Visitors can explore the cloisters, church, kitchen, and the monks' dormitories.

Is there parking on site?

There is a small parking area near the entrance to the site.

Ross Abbey: where is it located?

Ross Abbey is located in Ireland.

Ross Abbey: what is there to see?

Highlights include Kinlough Castle, Ross Errilly Friary, Moyne Castle.

Ross Abbey: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Ross Abbey: why is it worth visiting?

Ross Abbey, officially known as Ross Errilly Friary, is one of the best-preserved medieval Franciscan friaries in Ireland.

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