Corcomroe Cistercian Abbey

Corcomroe Cistercian Abbey is located near Bell Harbour in County Clare, just 28 minutes from us here at Lady Gregory Hotel, Leisure Club & Beauty Rooms. The abbey is known as Sancta Maria de Petra Fertili, or St Mary of the Fertile Rock, which is appropriate for its location near the head of a lush limestone valley.

Corcomroe Cistercian Abbey

Located in County Clare near Bell Harbour, Corcomroe Cistercian Abbey is thought to have been founded by Donal Mor O’Brien in 1182, or possibly by his son, who brought monks from Inishlounaght around 1195. Though the domestic buildings have largely vanished, visitors can see the remains of the church and gatehouse. Inside, there are a number of important effigies, including that of King Conor O’Brien.

The church was constructed in the early 13^th century and consists of a nave with an aisle on the south side. It appears that it was intended to construct a similar aisle on the north side of the nave, but this may never have been completed, perhaps due to lack of funds. At the east end is a presbytery or chancel with a decorated ribbed vault lit by narrow lancet windows. There is a north and south transept, each with a single chapel. Where the presbytery and transepts meet there are several crossing arches that feature capitals with some wonderful carvings of human heads and flowers, including poppies, lily-of-the valleys and lotus. In the chancel is highly decorated sedilia and the effigy tomb of Conor O’Brien (d. 1268), king of the ancient territory of Thomond and descendant of the founders and benefactors of the abbey.

Book Your Stay

Located only 28 minutes away from Corcomroe Abbey, Lady Gregory Hotel is the perfect base. Each of our spacious guestrooms are complete with crisp cotton linen, duvet and large fluffy pillows to ensure you have a restful and relaxing stay with us. As well as complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV and toiletries our rooms have tea/coffee making facilities and 24-hour room service. Enjoy complimentary access to our Leisure Centre which includes an 18-meter swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, steam room and also a fully equipped state of the art gym. If you are looking to take some time out and treat yourself, visit our Beauty & Wellness Rooms which offer a tempting menu of great-value treatments.