clontuskert augustinian priory

Nothing remains of an early monastery founded here by St Baedan who died around 809. Some time in the 12th century the Augustinians were introduced, and the earliest surviving parts of the present church, such as certain windows near the altar, show that the church was erected in the 13th century. By the end of that century it had become one of the richest monasteries in the diocese.

In the second half of the 14th century it had become corrupt, and in 1413, when the monastery consisted of a Prior and only 12 canons, it was completely burned. shortly afterwards, 10 year indulgences were granted to all those who contributed to its repair, and most of the present building is due to this 15th century reconstruction. Of this period are the fine east window and the unusual rood-screen signed by a master mason Joh(ann)es - both reconstructed in the 1970s.

The very fine west door was erected by Matthew MacCraith, an Augustinian Canon, and Patrick O'Neachtain in 1471. The top of the door has sculptures of St.