Corcomroe Abbey

Corcomroe Abbey (Irish: Mainistir Chorco Modhruadh) is an early 13th-century Cistercian monastery located in the north of the Burren region of County Clare, Ireland, a few miles east of the village of Ballyvaughan. It was once known as "St. Mary of the Fertile Rock", a reference to the Burren's fertile soil.
The abbey is noted for its detailed carvings and other rich ornamentation, which are not commonly found in structures from this period. It features a typical cruciform church facing east, with a small chapel in each transept. 
==History==
Construction on the abbey most likely began sometime between 1205 and 1210 and used local limestone. Legend maintains that the building was commissioned by King Conor na Siudane Ua Briain, who died in 1267 and whose tomb niche and effigy are visible in the north wall of the choir. According to the legend, Ua Briain executed the five masons who completed the abbey to prevent them from constructing a rival masterpiece elsewhere. In reality, it was probably built by Conor's grandfather, Donal Mór Ua Briain (Donald O'Brien), the patron of a number of other religious structures in the historic Thomond region.
The English Reformation led to the dissolution of Catholic monasteries in England and Ireland. In 1554, the abbey was granted to the Earl of Thomond. The monks continued to tend the fields and maintain the abbey as circumstances allowed, but the political climate led to continued decline. The last abbot, the Reverend John O'Dea, was named in 1628.
==Notes==
== See also ==
*List of abbeys and priories in Ireland (County Clare)
==References==
*Corcomroe Abbey at Clare County Library
==External links==
*Autumnal Rambles about New Quay, County Clare - Corcumroe Abbey - Cooke, Thomas L. - Galway Vindicator, 1842
Category:1210s architecture
Category:Religious organizations established in the 1200s
Category:Cistercian monasteries in the Republic of Ireland
Category:Buildings and structures in County Clare
Category:Religion in County Clare
Category:Ruins in the Republic of Ireland
Category:Former settlements in Ireland
Category:Christian monasteries established in the 13th century
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