Rosserk Friary is one of Ireland's best-preserved Franciscan ruins — a near-complete late-Gothic church, cloister and bell tower standing on the banks of the River Moy near Killala.
The church is built in late Irish Gothic style: a single-aisle nave, two chantry chapels off the south transept, and an unusual bell tower suspended over the chancel arch. Around the cloister three vaulted rooms line each side, and two back-to-back fireplaces still stand. The site is unguided, so watch your footing on wet stone.
In the south-east corner of the chancel is a double piscina carved with a round tower, two angels and the instruments of the Passion. The round-tower relief is reputed to be the only medieval representation of such a building. Look too for the finely carved west doorway and assorted carved heads.
Rosserk sits on a 14 km mixed-terrain greenway and cycle route between Ballina and Killala that also passes Moyne Abbey and Rathfran Abbey. Stages mix greenway, quiet roads and forest tracks; Ballina Bike Hire (Quay Road) rents bikes including electric ones.
Moyne Abbey, consecrated in 1462, lies about 6 km north along the estuary. It has no dedicated parking and is reached by a right-of-way across private land through fields that can be muddy — sturdy footwear needed and limited-mobility access is difficult.
Killala, roughly 4 km away, has a round tower, St Patrick's Cathedral, a heritage trail and pier. Near Ballina, Belleek Woods offers off-road trails past the Ice House, mausoleum and famine wall, with a playground in Killala's town park.
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