Red Abbey, Medieval ruins of Augustinian friary in Cork City Centre, Ireland
Red Abbey is a friary ruin featuring a bell tower built from reddish sandstone, standing about 65 feet (20 meters) high with Gothic architecture showing prominent lower arches and windows above. The remains sit near Douglas Street and the surrounding area reveals traces of the former religious complex.
Augustinian friars established this religious complex in the 14th century and remained there until the 1641 Irish Rebellion disrupted monastic life. The destruction during that conflict ended its use as a functioning monastery.
The remaining bell tower reflects Cork's religious past and shapes how people experience this part of the city today. You can sense how central the church was to the lives of medieval residents here.
The ruins are located near Douglas Street and Nano Nagle Place with free public access to view the exterior. You can walk around the tower to examine the Gothic details and structural features from multiple angles.
Archaeological excavations in 1977 uncovered medieval pottery and over 300 pieces of lead shot scattered across the grounds. These findings reveal details about daily life at the site and suggest past violence during its occupation.
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