A beautifully preserved 15th-century Franciscan friary on the banks of the River Moy, where you can wander through intact cloisters, climb to the upper rooms and see some of the finest medieval stone carvings in the west of Ireland.
The single-aisle church, south-transept chapels and square bell tower suspended over the chancel arch survive almost whole. Around the open cloister, vaulted rooms line three sides, and stairs still lead up to the old dormitory, refectory and kitchen, where two fireplaces stand back to back.
Seek out the double piscina in the south-east corner of the chancel, carved with a round tower, two angels and the instruments of the Passion — reputedly the only medieval representation of a round tower in Ireland. The west doorway and east window also carry crisp carving.
The friary sits right on the Moy estuary overlooking Killala Bay, surrounded by some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in Mayo. The view shifts with the tide and light, and the floodlit ruin is a local landmark after dark.
Rosserk is a stop on the 14 km Monasteries of the Moy greenway and cycle route between Ballina and Killala. From the friary, the route continues north past Moyne Abbey — another Franciscan ruin about 6 km on — and into historic Killala.
Tobar Mhuire (Mary's Well), a holy well in a small stone building erected in 1799, lies a short walk from the friary and is a peaceful spot to round off your visit.
Load the interactive map to explore this place location.
