Information Askeaton Ireland
A Franciscan Friary was founded in 1389 by the Earl of Desmond. Commonly known as simply the Abbey, it is on the banks of the Deel with the river literally running right alongside it and retains its good condition due to constant habitation to this day. However, the abbey has seen some turbulent years – it was all but destroyed in 1579. The abbey contains some of the finest cloisters in Ireland. They are made from limestone. The abbey is also home to the Stephenson mural tablet. There are also carvings of St Francis in the abbey. According to tradition, kissing the statuary relieves toothache. The Askeaton Madonna is now in the custody of the National Museum of Ireland. This is a unique oak carving dating from about the fifteenth century of the Mother and Child and its origin is believed to be Askeaton. The attack in 1579 meant the loss of many of the priory’s treasures, but the carving was preserved. Also at Askeaton is a castle – the walls of which were blown up by Spanish defenders as they fled the English in 1580. The Desmond rebellions, taking place at the time, were a series of insurrections by rulers of southern Ireland against the attempts of the British crown to bring Munster under English control. The Desmonds – Munster rulers at the time – were ultimately unseated by the English, they and their Roman Catholic Spanish allies defeated over the course of two decades. The abbey was of importance to the Desmonds and was the final resting place for the earls of Desmond. As such, the English attacked the abbey in 1579, killing a number of the clergy who lived there, bringing into stark contrast the divide between Protestants and Catholics.
Attractions Askeaton Ireland
Banqueting Hall (Desmond Hall) - Newcastlewest
West Limerick preserves many of Ireland's surviving spacious medieval halls. The desmond banqueting hall is an imposing two-storey structure and was used by the Earls of Desmond for banqueting and entertainment. The Hall, vaulted lower chamber and adjoining tower were all constructed during the 15th century (the hall and chamber were built on the remains of a 13th century structure of similar size).
Croom Mills and Heritage Centre - Limerick
This uniquely restored nineteenth century granary shows working conditions for millers and blacksmiths in dramatic settings. It is complimented by an audio-visual film on the history of grain milling locally. The mill race flows gently beneath the superb restaurant and craft shop
Curraghmore Forest Park - Kilcornan
Located at Kilcornan, Curraghchase Forest Park is a six hundred acre plantation of exceptional beauty. It features walkways, a lake and garden, a nature trail and the ruins of the eighteenth century home of the poet Aubrey de Vere.
Foynes Museum - Limerick
The Foynes museum recalls the era with a comprehensive range of exhibits and graphic illustrations. It also includes a 1940s style cinema, the original terminal building through which many VIPs passed, war years' radio and the weather room. Irish coffee was "invented" here in 1943. During the 1930s and early 1940s, the port of Foynes was the fulcrum point for air traffic between the United States and Europe. The famous flying boats were frequent visitors, carrying passengers who ranged from celebrities to refugees.
Lough Gur Stone Age Centre - Ballyneety
Located at Ballyneety, the Lough Gur Centre is the most important Stone Age site in Ireland. The visitor centre, on its lakeside site, contains a display and audio-visual show presenting the site's history. The archaeology of the area provides evidence of the activities of the first farmers in the region, their dwellings, ritual and burial sites, as well as their tools and implements. The story stretches over 5,000 years and continues to the present day.
