A guide to the historical sites of Lorrha & Dorrha
For those interested in history, Lorrha is a site unlike any other. In the east of the village, the remains of two 8th century High Crosses can be found next to the modern Church of Ireland, which is itself built on the site of an older church that dated from 1000AD. That in turn was built on St Ruadhan’s Abbey, which dated from the 6th century. Just meters away sit the imposing remains of the Augustinian Abbey that was constructed more than 800 years ago, earthworks marking the site of a Norman motte-and-bailey castle, and an ancient holy well that supplied water to these sites.
In the west of the village stand the magnificent remains of a 13th century Dominican Friary, sitting next to the modern Catholic church. Just a short distance from the village you can also find two Norman tower house castles, each over 800 years old. Lackeen Castle was a stronghold of the famous O’Kennedy chieftains, while Redwood Castle was the home to the MacEgans, one of the most famous legal and scholarly families of medieval Ireland. If that still isn’t enough, you can always call in to our neighbours in Portumna and explore their great Heritage Trail, or head east to Birr and visit Birr Castle and Gardens.
The Augustinian Priory, Lorrha
A much more welcome and peaceful group of newcomers arrived in Lorrha in the 12th century, these were the priors who were devoted to Saint Augustine. On the top of the ornate doorway on the south wall is the carved head of a woman wearing a horned headdress, one suggestion is that this lady was the wife of the Norman overlord who might have commissioned its building as was normal practice in those days. The priory lasted in Lorrha for over 400 years and one prior in particular had a gruesome fate in the late 16th century!
The Dominican Abbey, Lorrha
The Dominican Abbey is located beside the present day Roman Catholic Church. The Dominican Order was founded in 1215 by St. Dominic. Their rules were based on poverty and preaching. The order came to Ireland in 1224 and by 1300 had 24 friaries, Lorrha of course being one of these. The abbey was founded in 1269 by Walter De Burgo, Earl of Ulster, and was dedicated to St.Peter, an Italian preacher who was martyred in 1252 and canonised two years later. The Dominicans were active in Lorrha for over 500 years and survived through many turbulent times in Irish history. Their legacy is now the skeleton of the once bustling abbey that stands a silent reminder of Lorrha’s historical and monastic past.
St Ruadhan’s Abbey, Lorrha
St. Ruadhán’s church is likely built on the site of the early monastery founded by Ruadhán around 540 AD. Constructed from roughly coursed cyclopean masonry, the church features striking antae projecting from the east and west gables. This structure may be the same church mentioned in the Annals of Inishfallen, which records a significant event in 1037 AD: the tragic killing of Cu Chaille, son of Cennetaig, King of Musgraige, who was slain in front of the stone church at Lorrha after being taken from the altar, highlighting the church’s importance in local history.
The church’s architectural details reflect its ongoing transformation over the years. An arched doorway, possibly representing Walter de Burgh, was likely taken from the Augustinian Abbey and inserted into the south wall during the 12th or 13th century. Below this, a pointed doorway with intricate decorations was added in the 15th century, showing the evolution of styles. To the west of the church, the graveyard holds the shafts of two high crosses from the 8th or 9th century, serving as silent witnesses to the rich heritage of the area. Together, these elements make St. Ruadhán’s church a site steeped in history, inviting visitors to ponder the stories contained within its walls.
Lackeen Castle, Lorrha
Lovely Lackeen Tower House Tour: A tour of this 16th century tower house which is in great condition with its bawn wall & mill, and also the recently discovered Fulacht Fia. The O’Kennedys were the ruling clan of this area. Full of interesting facts, including on the Lorrha Missal which was found here, and is one of the oldest mass books in Europe. Links to J.F.K. and others in the modern day Kennedy and O’Kennedy clans! All castles have their resident ghosts and this one was said to have its very own pooka. Again a combination of archaeology, history and folklore told in an interesting and fun way.
Ballyquirke Castle, Lorrha
Ballyquirk Castle is a single storey over basement property with three bays and a rear tower. It is all that is left following alterations made in the nineteenth century to the original two storey over basement property which featured four towers. Ruins of an earlier castle stand nearby.
Redwood Castle, Lorrha
Today Redwood Castle is one of the oldest castles in Ireland, still owned by it’s original clan, the MacEgans. The castle remained in ruins up until the 1970’s when a Castlebar lawyer undertook its restoration. Michael Egan restored the entire castle to its former glory where he used it for a second family home. Now owned and run by his daughter, Coleesa, the castle opens to the public during summer months as a sight of historic interest.
On visiting, you will be warmly welcomed and led through the castle by a tour guide. Tours consist of a talk on the history of the castle from its construction in the 1200’s right up to the present era, climbing the spiral stone staircase to the main banquet halls and bed chambers, visiting the castle’s own private Oratory, viewing photos of the building prior to restoration and finally taking in the beautiful views from the roof top terrace. Tours last approximately one hour.
Redwood Castle Website
Moat Hill, Lorrha
Moat hill is close to the Dominican friary and is said to the hill where Cromwell fired his artillery from at the friary.
Friars Lough, Lorrha
Friars Lough has played a part in Lorrha’s history since its very beginnings. From refuge, to gruesome execution site, to the home of the legendary Friars Lough monster!
