Errew Abbey

Errew Abbey is a monastery set on a small peninsula in Lough Conn with a rectangular church featuring trefoil-headed windows. The eastern cloister sections remain visible and reveal the original layout of the religious complex.

The Barrett family founded an Augustinian monastery in 1413 on top of structures from an earlier foundation created by Saint Tigernan in the sixth century. This layering of two distinct periods shaped the site over the following centuries.

The name reflects the founding family and the religious community that made this place their home. Visitors can sense how closely the daily rhythm of monastic life was tied to the lakeshore and surrounding landscape.

Access is by way of a country lane leading to a small parking area, from which the walk through grassland takes about ten minutes. Sturdy footwear is recommended as the path can become slippery when wet.

The site contains a section called Templenagalliaghdoo, which means Church of the Black Nun, located roughly 150 meters north of the main structure. This name points to a specific religious devotion that was practiced here.

GPS coordinates: 54.05313,-9.26335

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:25