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Tralee Friary
Tralee Friary, historically known as the Priory of the Holy Cross, was a significant Dominican establishment located in Tralee, County Kerry. It was founded in 1243 by John FitzThomas FitzGerald, the first Baron of Desmond, who chose the site as the principal burial place for his dynasty. Throughout the Middle Ages, the friary flourished as a major religious and educational center in Munster, patronized by the powerful Earls of Desmond. The suppression of the monasteries under Henry VIII and Elizabeth I led to the eventual confiscation of its lands and the dispersal of the monks in the late 16th century. During the turbulent 17th century, particularly under the Cromwellian regime, the medieval buildings were largely demolished or fell into decay. Much of the original site was later built over during the expansion of Tralee in the 19th century, leaving only sparse physical remains above ground today. However, archaeological excavations have uncovered parts of the cloister and several medieval carved stones, many of which are now preserved in the Kerry County Museum. A modern Dominican church nearby continues the order's centuries-old connection to the town.
- Location: Ireland
- Top sights: Church of Saint John the Evangelist · Crimea Cannon and War Memorial · Indian Mutiny / 2nd Anglo Chinese War Memorial
- Nearby: Ardfert (8 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 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 7 |
| Rain mm | 120 | 94 | 86 | 72 | 81 | 84 | 97 | 101 | 93 | 108 | 135 | 129 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The friary was founded in 1243 by the first Baron of Desmond.
- It remained the primary burial place for the Desmond family for generations.
- The Dominicans occupied the site for over 300 years until the Reformation.
- Much of the friary's stonework was used to build local houses in the 1700s.
- Excavations in the 1990s revealed the location of the medieval cloister.
- Carved medieval heads from the friary are now on display in a local museum.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Tralee Friary (10)
Saint John's
Church in Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland, Catholic church.
Kerry County Museum🏛 museum
County museum in County Kerry, Ireland, with exhibits on regional history.
Sonny McCarthy Memorial
Memorial in Tralee, dedicated to Sonny McCarthy.
Siamsa Tíre Theatre
The national folk theatre of Ireland, located in Tralee.
St. Brendan's Park FC🌳 park
Public park in Tralee, named after St. Brendan's Park FC football club.
Ratass Church⛪ church
Church ruins in Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland, dating from the 12th century.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the history of Tralee Friary?
Where can the remains be seen?
Is the site accessible to visitors?
Are there information plaques?
What happened to the friary?
Tralee Friary: where is it located?
Tralee Friary: what is there to see?
Tralee Friary: when is the best time to visit?
Tralee Friary: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
