sherkin island franciscan friary

Founded in 146 or 1470 by Fineen or Dermot O'Driscoll for the Franciscan Friars of Strict Observance, the church consists of a nave and chancel, as well as a south transept with two chapels. The main doorway is unusual in that it is in the south and not in the west wall. Most of the original windows have disappeared. Although nothing remains of the cloister arcade, the eastern portion of the domestic wing is preserved; it contained the Chapter Room into which a fireplace was later inserted. The 3-storey sacristy (reached from outside) and the tower were probably built after the fire of 1537 when the men of Waterford sacked and burned the friary as an act of vengeance against the O'Driscolls. After the Dissolution, the friars returned for some time around 1627 when a house was bought for them nearby.