Rosserk Friary, Franciscan friary in County Mayo, Ireland
Rosserk Friary is a medieval religious complex in County Mayo with stone buildings that once housed Franciscan monks. The ruins feature a simple church layout with side chapels, a bell tower, and the remains of living quarters, dining areas, and kitchen facilities across multiple levels.
The Joyce family founded this site in 1440 as a Franciscan monastery for local religious life. The community continued for generations before the complex was destroyed in a raid.
The chapel displays carved stone details in its chancel showing religious imagery and local landmarks. These carvings reflect the artistic traditions that monks maintained within this spiritual community.
The site is freely accessible and the stone ruins are laid out in the open for visitors to explore. Sturdy footwear is advisable since the ground is uneven and there are multiple levels to navigate.
Two original fireplaces still stand back-to-back in the upper rooms, revealing how monks heated their living spaces during medieval times. Such paired chimneys are uncommon finds in ruins across the region.
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