Founded 1305 · Medieval Carlingford
Dominican Friary
The Red Earl’s medieval foundation
The story
Richard Óg de Burgh, the powerful second Earl of Ulster known as the Red Earl, founded the Dominican Friary in 1305 and dedicated it to Saint Malachy.
The surviving church is divided into nave and chancel by a central bell tower. Architectural historians disagree on whether that tower belongs to the original work or was added in the fifteenth century — a reminder that medieval buildings changed over generations.
The cloister, chapter house and other domestic ranges have disappeared, but the great east window and surviving walls still convey the scale of the friary community.
Visiting responsibly
See it in the village.
This is an unguided State-owned National Monument with limited nearby parking. Take care around uneven masonry and ground.