Strade Priory of the Holy Cross, Gothic monastery ruins in County Mayo, Ireland.
Strade Priory of the Holy Cross is a former Franciscan monastery in County Mayo that survives today as ruins. The remains display Gothic stonework with characteristic arches, walls, and foundation stones that show the scale of the original religious complex.
The monastery was founded in 1252 by Jordan de Exeter during the Anglo-Norman settlement of Ireland. The Franciscans ran it as a major religious center until the dissolution of monasteries in the 16th century ended its use.
The priory displays Gothic stonework and a layout that reflects how Franciscan monks organized their daily life and worship. You can still see the carved details and spatial arrangement that shaped their religious community.
The site is open to the public and situated in countryside that you can explore on foot. Wear sturdy shoes since the ruins sit on uneven ground and weather can change quickly.
The priory was founded by an English nobleman, making it an example of the complex power structures between England and Ireland. This link between outside rule and local development shapes the site's story in a distinctive way.
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