Abbey of St. Mary de Portu Patrum, Annaghdown

Abbey of St. Mary de Portu Patrum is a Romanesque ruin situated on the eastern shore of Lough Corrib. The remaining stone walls contain sections of a church, cloister arcade, and living quarters that illustrate the layout of a functioning medieval monastery.

The monastery was founded in 1140 by King Turlough O'Conor for Arroasian canons and operated until its closure during the Reformation around 1562. This span of over 400 years demonstrates how the site remained important through different periods of Irish history.

The carved stone capitals in the cloister show animals and plants carved into local limestone, reflecting the artistic skills of medieval craftspeople. These decorations reveal how monks expressed their faith through everyday details of their living spaces.

The site sits roughly 110 meters northwest of Annaghdown Cathedral, connected by a walking path for easy visits between both monuments. Plan your visit during daylight hours to see the carved details clearly, and bring sturdy footwear since the ground around the ruins can be uneven.

A south-facing window from the early 1200s displays the gradual shift from Romanesque to early Gothic architectural forms. This single opening shows a transition moment in building styles that typically appears only in larger cathedrals.

Location: County Galway

Inception: 1140

Architectural style: Romanesque architecture

GPS coordinates: 53.38699,-9.07259

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:40