Ross Errilly Friary (Ross Abbey) Tours
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Set among green pastures, this 15th-century stone complex—once the home of Franciscan friars—now lies in ruins, peaceful and eerily empty, with tombstones dotted throughout the site. Inside, visitors can explore the roofless remains, including the church, cloister, kitchen area, and living quarters.
The Basics
Ross Errilly Friary, known as Ross Abbey to locals, is one of Galway’s hidden gems, with few tourists passing through the quiet, tranquil ruins. Some day tours around Connemara, departing from Dublin or Galway, stop at the friary en route to other more well-known sights, such as Kylemore Abbey, Killary Harbour, and the village of Cong, which is famous as the location where the John Wayne classic The Quiet Man was filmed.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Ross Errilly Friary is a must for history buffs and travelers who want to get off the beaten path.
- Bring rain gear, as the roofless ruins provide little protection from the elements.
- Ross Errilly Friary is not staffed and has limited signage, so if you want more information on the ruins, it’s best to go as part of a guided tour.
How to Get There
Ross Errilly Friary sits on the border between County Galway and County Mayo, and is a 30- to 40-minute drive from Galway City via the N84. Public transport is scarce in this rural part of Ireland, so if you don’t have access to a car, it’s best come as part of a tour.
When to Get There
Ross Errilly Friary can be visited year-round. The site doesn’t attract large crowds, even during the peak tourist months of July and August. One of the best times to visit is late afternoon when the sun sinks lower in the sky, creating a soft, golden light that’s ideal for photographs.
The History of the Friary
Most likely founded during the 15th century, Ross Errilly Friary was home to a community of Franciscan friars. The friars would have lived a tenuous existence at Ross Errilly, under near-constant threat of eviction, persecution, and attack, usually by English authorities. The turbulent politics of the period would have forced the friars to flee and return to the site several times, before their final departure in the mid-18th century.
Address: Co. Galway, Ireland
2 Tours and Activities to Experience Ross Errilly Friary (Ross Abbey)
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Connemara Day Trip from Galway: Kylemore Abbey and Ross Errily Friary
Delve into the rugged wilderness of Connemara, an Irish county thronged with historic monuments and natural splendor, on a full-day tour from Galway City. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, explore the perfectly preserved Franciscan friary of Ross Errilly Friary and enjoy some leisurely free time in Cong, a picturesque village. Gaze at the tranquil surfaces of Lough Carrib and Loch NaFooey and discover the elaborate walled gardens of Kylemore Abbey. Enjoy a pleasant balance of guided tours and independent exploration during this enriching excursion.
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From
$36.40
From
$36.40
Chauffeur Tours from Galway
Your private chauffeur / guide will pick you up at an address within Galway city and at a time of your choosing.
The two main tour routes from Galway are:
The Cliffs of Moher and the Burren - site visit options outlined
Connemara - site visit options outlined
The tour lasts 8 hours from the pick up time and you can visit the sites of your choosing within those 8 hours.
We can also organise tours to any location of your choosing from Galway.
Your private chauffeur / guide will return you to an address within Galway city of your choosing at the end of the 8 hours.
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From
$622.24
per group
From
$622.24
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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