Murrisk Priory, Medieval monastery ruins in County Mayo, Ireland

Murrisk Priory is a monastery ruin located at the base of Croagh Patrick mountain in County Mayo, featuring remaining walls and structural elements from its original medieval construction. The site preserves the ground plan of the main buildings, allowing visitors to walk through the layout and understand how the community once lived.

Murrisk Friary was founded in 1457, when Thady O'Malley granted land to Hugh O'Malley of Banada Friary; Pope Callixtus III gave permission to build a church and priory at Croagh Patrick. The site is reputed to be that of an earlier church founded by Saint Patrick. Suppressed at the Reformation, the friary survived until 1577, when the friars were driven out.

The grounds connect to the National Famine Memorial, marking a location where crowds gathered during the years of widespread food shortage and hardship in the 1840s.

The ruins are freely accessible year-round without entry fees, making them easy to explore at your own pace. Parking is available near the Croagh Patrick visitor center, which sits close to the site and serves as a helpful reference point for navigation.

The priory walls contain carved stone window frames and door elements that show medieval Irish building craftsmanship. These details offer a rare look at the skilled techniques that Irish stonemasons used during this period.