Old Abbey,

Co. Limerick.

Documenting our Heritage

Old Abbey, County Limerick

More commonly known as ‘Mainistir na Cailleach Duff’ this Augustinian convent dating from the 13th century is one of the few medieval nunneries known in Ireland. It is first mentioned in 1298 and continued in use until its dissolution in 1541. It is said the last abbess terrified the local population with her use of the black arts and sexual practises in a room to the south of the church now called “The Black Hag’s Cell”. The Earl of Desmond is documented as complaining at one stage that the nuns were leading "loose and dissolute lives". The pope at the time Pope Martin V ordered the suppression of the monastery in 1432 however it’s use continued until a new parish was formed around 1586.

A further legend regarding the Earl of Desmond relates that during his escape from one of the many battles between the Geraldines and the Butlers the countess was wounded by an arrow. The wound was so serious that the Earl believed the countess dead and buried her beneath the altar in the main chapel.

However, subsequently the countess awoke to find herself buried alive.

It is said her screams still echo through the ruins to this day.