Timoleague Franciscan Friary
Timoleague Franciscan Friary
Timoleague Franciscan Friary
4.5
About
Timoleague Village is located in the heart of West Cork, just 45 minutes from Cork City and is close for the following villages and towns of West Cork such as Kinsale, Innishannon, Rosscarberry, Bandon, Inchydoney, Clonakilty and its close seaside neighbour Courtmacsherry. Timoleague Abbey is the main focal point in the village and it stands picturesquely at the water's edge at the head of a long sea inlet. Timoleague Abbey has been chosen as one of the main Discovery points on the Wild Atlantic way.In its day it was one of the largest and most important of the religious houses in Ireland. It was founded by one of the MacCarthys for the Franciscans in 1240, on the site already associated with St. Molaga - hence the name Timoleague, i.e. Tigh Molaga or the House of Molaga. Like all such monasteries, it was suppressed during the Reformation but the monks stayed in the district and returned in 1604 to repair it and bring it back to life. It must have recovered to some degree: the important MSS, known as the Book of Lismore, was in its keeping in 1629. It is said that the monks did a goodly trade in smuggled Spanish wine! Timoleague has its own Bird Sanctuary area for those with outdoor interests, and for the surfers, they can experience surfing at the Blue Flag Beach at Inchydoney, the Michael Collins Experience in Clonakilty for those interested in local history and for the walkers and water lovers,the Seven Heads Walkway and Courtmacsherry bay are the ideal places to explore.. Take a boat trip from Baltimore and explore the Islands off Baltimore such as Sherkin Island and Cape Clear Island for some great scenery and wildlife.For Food Lovers the area offers some of the best Dining options in Ireland and specialise in local produce. Timoleague is the ideal base to explore all that West Cork has to offer and has several accommodation options including Caravan and Camping and BB options ... See Failte Ireland for full route details of The Wild Atlantic Way We look forward to Welcoming you to our beautiful part of the Country...
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Plan your visit
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
11 within 3 miles
Attractions
13 within 6 miles
Contribute
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.
Popular mentions
4.5
102 reviews
Excellent
49
Very good
41
Average
12
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Jcalvert325
84 contributions
Mar 2023
We didn't have this on our itinerary, but when we saw these majestic ruins overlooking Courtmacsherry Bay, I knew we had to stop and explore. There are several parking spaces located next to the abbey, and the ruins are very easy to walk around and explore. The self-guided pamphlets are very helpful, as was our tour guide (a local cat). There were a lot of locals walking along the path beside the water, and everyone we met was so friendly! I highly recommend touring the abbey if you are in the area.
Written April 13, 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.
Anne Doran
Cork, Ireland343 contributions
Jul 2020
There a self-guide at the entrance and you can go around the ruins of the Franciscan Abbey at your leisure. Each room has another purpose and there is a 'thin space' vibe to the whole building. A lovely view overlooking Timoleague Estuary and lots of tables and spaces to sit down and enjoy the view. A must when travelling to Timoleague.
Go to the Catholic Church in Timoleague too that houses a Harry Clarke stained glass window.
Go to the Catholic Church in Timoleague too that houses a Harry Clarke stained glass window.
Written July 20, 2020
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.
john o
Australind, Australia6 contributions
Jun 2023
This is really a hidden gem which is not listed on the many travel books. We travelled to Kinsale one day and decided to go on a little and came across Timoleague Abbey. We parked up here and walked to Courmacsherry which was really lovely. It was like going back in time in a good way. This area is really special and such a wonderful view of the wild atlantic way.
Written August 18, 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.
Go19317
Amman, Jordan1 contribution
As we rounded the curving road towards Courtmacsherry Bay, we saw an imposing stucture in the distance. We were compelled to stop and take a closer look. The ravages of man and time had taken their toll, but the imposing remains left us deeply moved. It remains a sacred place as in the past and present its walls serve to enclose a grave site. We enjoyed the aurora and feeling, wondering about the early occupants. It is definitly a site not to be missed, on of the highlights of our drive through the Beara Peninusla.
Written July 20, 2003
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.
pincheck
London, UK83 contributions
Jul 2017 • Solo
This was an interesting little find, whilst out on a drive along the south coast. I just like it when you get the rare opportunity to see a piece of history without ticket barriers, 'helpful' guides, pamphlets, display cases and exorbitant prices! There's not a great deal to look at, but I would definitely say it's worth a quick peek. There was no one there at all when I arrived, early in the evening, which was even better for enjoying the tranquility.
Written July 26, 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.
Marguerite W
Cape Town Central, South Africa522 contributions
The ruins if this old Franciscan Friary dominate your view of the pretty village of Timoleague on the SW Coast of Ireland. It is situated right at the top end of Courtmacsherry Bay & one can only imagine what a commanding view of the bay it enjoyed in years gone by.
Entry is free
There is also a cemetery inside the Monastry area.
It is an interesting & worthwhile visit esp for anyone interested in pre Reformation Christianity ...,,,,
Entry is free
There is also a cemetery inside the Monastry area.
It is an interesting & worthwhile visit esp for anyone interested in pre Reformation Christianity ...,,,,
Written September 10, 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.
Joseph B
Perth, Australia273 contributions
Jul 2014 • Couples
We took the short drive from Kinsale and visited the old monastery/friary and the tiny village of Timoleague . It's a pleasant, quite spot and you can walk around the historic ruins and graveyard. It dates back to the Norman invasion and you can see how the buildings were sacked then rebuilt using different types of stonework etc. Its a nice peaceful place to visit, take a picnic and sit by the waterside and stroll around the ruins. PJ Barker, author of the novel Changing Pillion.
Written August 3, 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.
Julivert J
Barcelona, Spain71 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
... Beautiful place with a lot of history and moss. Sunny at sunset and then a drizzle turned the rocks in something else. Cool stop in our way to Waterford. Nice pics.
Written June 6, 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.
ActRegular_traveller
Canberra, Australia2,589 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
If you are driving the Wild Atlantic Way it is worth stopping here for a look, but don't expect wonders. It is your fairly standard "Sacked by Cromwell's troops" abbey. The setting is promising - we were there at low tide, but I expect it would be a lot nicer with water in the harbour. Plenty of parking & it was free.
Written July 13, 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.
MHarbert
Arnprior, Canada35 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
Worth the stop to visit,beautiful views, ancient structure
self guided, there is no admission charge, and the structure is just stunning to walk through
self guided, there is no admission charge, and the structure is just stunning to walk through
Written June 9, 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.
No questions have been asked about this experience
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing