Quin Abbey
Quin Abbey
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
313 reviews
Excellent
210
Very good
84
Average
15
Poor
3
Terrible
1
JRiverWind
Mohawk, TN157 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
We happened to see this place on our way to Burren National Park. We had to stop and see what this impressive looking place was so we pulled into the parking lot of a small grocery store with a path leading to the Castle/Friary.
There is a plaque with historical information and it was a nice walk on the grounds and within the building. If you like reading old tombstones or just looking for a different walk your dog experience this is a good place. It took about an hour.
There is a plaque with historical information and it was a nice walk on the grounds and within the building. If you like reading old tombstones or just looking for a different walk your dog experience this is a good place. It took about an hour.
Written September 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OConnorGoldwingers
Calgary, Canada86 contributions
Jul 2023
This 1402 Franciscan Abbey is a magnificent spot for photo ops. So much character and history and still in great condition. Many tombs and graves here, some ancient, some as recent as a few years ago. The corridors are fantastic with surprising rooms off them, with more graves in the rooms. We were very glad we had stopped here to take in its beauty. We got some fantastic photos here, definitely 'wall' pictures!
Written August 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann F
Ballina, Ireland4 contributions
Jul 2014 • Family
On visiting the abbey my children and I were approached by about 5 local youths one with red hair who verbally abused us and made very intimidating actions. When we ignored them and walked away the "m other" who was me was again verbally abused and when I looked them in the eye one pulled down his trousers and showed me his bottom. My daughter was crying at this stage. I was then called a nasty word an,given the finger. When we got to the car I thought the red haired one was going to kick it. Will never visit Quin again. Its a pity cos the Abbey looked lovely.
Written July 25, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ferd
Limerick, Ireland8,857 contributions
Set in the quintessential pretty Irish village of Quin is the terrific Quin abbey (in reality the is a friary) - which incorporates a De Clare castle which was built in 1280.
This castle was destroyed in 1286 by the MacNamara clan in revenge for the slaying of a relative, and the remain thick stone walls were incorporated into a church which was constructed by the MacNamara clan in 1330.
The cloisters were added in 1402, the buiding finally completed in the mid 15th century.
The friary was dissolved in 1541 during the reformation, and it passed to the O'Brien clan in 1547.
The friars remained at Quin abbey unofficially until Father Hogan, the last friar, died in 1820. He is buried in the abbey.
These friars lit a beacon each evening to warn travellers passing by the nearby river of Ardsollus - which gained its name from this event - Ardsollus meaning 'high light.'
The abbey is very impressive, on a beautifil setting on the Rine river, and open for visitors free of change from early May until late September, every day but Tuesday. There is an OPW officer at the entrance, and information can be purchased for €3.
There are a number of pubs and restaurants in Quin village, and a visit can be easily incorporated into a stay in either Shannon town or Bunratty village, and really worth the time if you want to visit something missed by most tourists.
The McNamara (Fire ball) tomb should be incorporated into the visit, and of note, this family also built Bunratty castle, Craggaunowen and Knappogue castle.
This castle was destroyed in 1286 by the MacNamara clan in revenge for the slaying of a relative, and the remain thick stone walls were incorporated into a church which was constructed by the MacNamara clan in 1330.
The cloisters were added in 1402, the buiding finally completed in the mid 15th century.
The friary was dissolved in 1541 during the reformation, and it passed to the O'Brien clan in 1547.
The friars remained at Quin abbey unofficially until Father Hogan, the last friar, died in 1820. He is buried in the abbey.
These friars lit a beacon each evening to warn travellers passing by the nearby river of Ardsollus - which gained its name from this event - Ardsollus meaning 'high light.'
The abbey is very impressive, on a beautifil setting on the Rine river, and open for visitors free of change from early May until late September, every day but Tuesday. There is an OPW officer at the entrance, and information can be purchased for €3.
There are a number of pubs and restaurants in Quin village, and a visit can be easily incorporated into a stay in either Shannon town or Bunratty village, and really worth the time if you want to visit something missed by most tourists.
The McNamara (Fire ball) tomb should be incorporated into the visit, and of note, this family also built Bunratty castle, Craggaunowen and Knappogue castle.
Written May 11, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KeithTynan
Berlin, MA10 contributions
Jul 2014 • Family
A resident of both Ireland and the United States, I've been traveling in the Republic of Ireland for most of my life and have visited most tourist and historic sites in the country. Quin Abbey is a standout in terms of accessibility and preservation. As close as it is to Craggaunowen and the Ennis Friary, it's certainly a "must see", especially with free admission. It is worth noting in advance that this is holy ground with an active cemetery, and proper decorum should be observed by visitors.
The only drawback to this location is the curator, who has been rude to me and my family (including small children) over the years. Why he is still employed there is a mystery. Absent his presence, Quin Abbey rates four stars.
The only drawback to this location is the curator, who has been rude to me and my family (including small children) over the years. Why he is still employed there is a mystery. Absent his presence, Quin Abbey rates four stars.
Written July 23, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris H
Peterborough, Canada33 contributions
May 2012 • Couples
We hadn't planned on visiting Quin Abbey. I am so glad that we found it. On the advice of the wonderful ladies in the gift shop at Craggaunowen we drove a couple kilometers north to the town of Quin and directly into this wonderful Abbey.
The cloister is beautiful, each of the living areas are in varying levels of ruin, however all of them are accessible. You even have access to the second level, which is quite rare in my experience of ten to twelve abbeys that I've visited in the Republic. The chapel is very well preserved with the altar intact.
If you are interested in visiting Religious Sites or simply want to see the a well preserved ruin in the Ennis area of Clare. Do yourself a favor and take the short drive to Quin.
Cheers from Canada
The cloister is beautiful, each of the living areas are in varying levels of ruin, however all of them are accessible. You even have access to the second level, which is quite rare in my experience of ten to twelve abbeys that I've visited in the Republic. The chapel is very well preserved with the altar intact.
If you are interested in visiting Religious Sites or simply want to see the a well preserved ruin in the Ennis area of Clare. Do yourself a favor and take the short drive to Quin.
Cheers from Canada
Written May 20, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
johnshiel
Wonder Lake, IL14 contributions
Aug 2017 • Solo
My first visit was my best. 1998, August. Solo, first stop off the plane in Shannon. Caretaker (John O'Halloran?) was just finishing mowing an interior micro lawn, and took great pleasure in welcoming me. The Clune clan epicenter is Quin, and my father's mother was a Clune. Her da baptized in Killaloe 1842. Most recent visit was May 2015, a rainy Sunday afternoon. Everything locked and deserted, perfect day for a walkaround! This site could surely use some interpretive attention, quality signage maybe. But historic site "development" could easily degrade the visitor experience. Quin Abbey is so magnificent already, that any info upgrades should become a case study in how to do it right, WITHOUT detracting from or degrading the resource. It can be done, lads and lasses...
Written December 28, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Keith S
Dublin, Ireland13 contributions
Aug 2015 • Business
This is one of the most stunning monastic remains in Ireland and a must see for anyone in the area!
The village of Quin is a fine example of a medieval settlement consisting of an impressive fifteenth-century Franciscan friary built within the remains of an Anglo-Norman castle, a deserted village (now marked by grassy mounds), and across the river Rine a large thirteenth-century parish church dedicated to St Finghin. As the friary is so intact, it allows the visitor to enter the world of medieval Franciscans. The medieval stone high altar remains in its original position, and to the right of this are the very rare remains of an early seventeenth-century stucco crucifixion, on the wall above a tomb. The intimate cloister, the chapter room, kitchen, refectory and dormitories stand almost as they did at the time of the dissolution.
The site is accessible to the public but access to the interior of the structure is limited:
Admission : Free
No Tours
Opening Hours:
April to End of September
Tuesday to Sunday
Closed Mondays
Tue to Fri 10am to 4.30pm
Sat and Sun 9am to 3.30pm
October to early November
Wednesday to Sunday
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Wed to Fri 10am to 4.30pm
Sat and Sun 9am to 3.30pm
Gates Closed at least half hour before closing time
The village of Quin is a fine example of a medieval settlement consisting of an impressive fifteenth-century Franciscan friary built within the remains of an Anglo-Norman castle, a deserted village (now marked by grassy mounds), and across the river Rine a large thirteenth-century parish church dedicated to St Finghin. As the friary is so intact, it allows the visitor to enter the world of medieval Franciscans. The medieval stone high altar remains in its original position, and to the right of this are the very rare remains of an early seventeenth-century stucco crucifixion, on the wall above a tomb. The intimate cloister, the chapter room, kitchen, refectory and dormitories stand almost as they did at the time of the dissolution.
The site is accessible to the public but access to the interior of the structure is limited:
Admission : Free
No Tours
Opening Hours:
April to End of September
Tuesday to Sunday
Closed Mondays
Tue to Fri 10am to 4.30pm
Sat and Sun 9am to 3.30pm
October to early November
Wednesday to Sunday
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Wed to Fri 10am to 4.30pm
Sat and Sun 9am to 3.30pm
Gates Closed at least half hour before closing time
Written December 10, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim and Leslie
Mount Dora, FL190 contributions
Oct 2019
We were looking for something to do after landing in Shannon so we decided to stop at Quin Abbey. It was a cold and windy morning and we probably did not dress for it but the place was very cool. The arrangement of the graves were awesome and the abbey itself was worth the stop.
Written November 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ratfink52
13 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
For us, this Abbey was one of the highlights of our trip. Quin doesn't seem to be a tourist hot spot and so it was almost deserted when we were there. Besides the wife and myself, only three other people were looking at the ruins, which were spectacular. It's a place where you can easily get lost in the architecture and really feel the age of the ruins. It's a easy drive from the touristy Bunratty Castle and the Inn across the street is a great place for dinner.
Not a lot of parking, but it is available and not too far from the Abbey. Grounds are very well kept. Some people have commented that the gate was locked so they had to view it from afar. However, there is a gate designed to pass a single person without letting in (or out) livestock. I didn't see a locking device on it, nor any way to lock it - but I could be wrong as I didn't pay that much attention to it. We also went in the middle of the day so it would be open regardless.
Not a lot of parking, but it is available and not too far from the Abbey. Grounds are very well kept. Some people have commented that the gate was locked so they had to view it from afar. However, there is a gate designed to pass a single person without letting in (or out) livestock. I didn't see a locking device on it, nor any way to lock it - but I could be wrong as I didn't pay that much attention to it. We also went in the middle of the day so it would be open regardless.
Written May 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi is Quun Abbey wheelchair freindly
Regards
Anthony
Written September 5, 2021
Lill M
Boston, Massachusetts
what days and hours is the whole Abbey open to the public?
Written July 12, 2015
As far as I know, it's free entry during daylight hours.
There are some restricted areas, for safety reasons, at present.
Still worth a visit, lovely village, nice walks. Quin is also on route from Ennis to nearby Knappogue Castle and further on, Cragganowen.
Written July 13, 2015
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