Urlaur Abbey
The ruins of Urlaur Abbey can be found down a quiet country road in the village of Urlaur by the shores of Urlaur Lake.
The Abbey was dedicated to St. Thomas and was founded by the powerful family of de Angulo or Nangle about 1430 for the Dominican Order. This Anglo-Norman family also endowed St. Mary’s Augustinian Abbey in Ballyhaunis around the same time, taking the name Costello and becoming Lords of the barony.
The Dominicans are named after their founder St. Dominic who was born in Spain in 1170. He chose a life of penance and poverty and gathered together a band of preachers in southern France in the early part of the 13th century.
The preachers were sent to cities where the Universities and other seats of learning were to be found. Finally, the Dominican Friars came to Oxford and London in 1221 and to Dublin in 1224 and are known as the Order of Friars Preachers.
The Order spread quickly through Ireland forming communities and churches. The Black Abbey in Kilkenny, founded by William Marshall the younger in 1225, is a fine example of a Dominican Church in use to the present day.
Urlaur Abbey is now in ruins but the annual pattern held on 4th of August brings locals and visitors to the area. Mass is celebrated in the old Abbey and a sense of peace is evident among the hallowed stones.
By Marian Hensey
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Mayo Towns > Kilkelly, County Mayo > Kilkelly History > Urlaur Abbey
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