Ballybeg Priory St. Thomas

Ballybeg Priory is a 13th-century Augustinian monastery with preserved stone structures scattered across the site. The complex includes a church building, a multi-story tower, and a square courtyard that was once surrounded by covered walkways.

Philip de Barry founded this priory in 1229 and dedicated it to Saint Thomas Becket following the Augustinian order. The monastery was dissolved during the Reformation and eventually passed to private landowners.

The monks here followed strict religious rules while managing the surrounding farmland as part of their daily duties. This way of life shaped the local landscape and community for hundreds of years.

The ruins sit near the Awbeg River and are easily accessible for visitors wanting to explore the stone structures. Wear sturdy shoes since the ground is uneven and some building sections require careful footing.

The grounds contain a medieval dovecot featuring hundreds of nesting compartments stacked in neat rows. This remarkable structure shows how residents managed their food supplies and applied practical building techniques.

Location: County Cork

Inception: 1229

GPS coordinates: 52.21944,-8.67006

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:42