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Anglo Norman:-

Gothic Architecture was introduced into Ireland from France around the C12th./ C13th. by the Cistercian's who were a highly organised Religious Order. They were invited by St. Malachy, ( County Armagh ), to establish their style of Monasteries and to introduce Ecclesiastical Reforms. The first Abbey they founded was at Mellifont ( Co. Meath ) around 1142 and this was to be just one of many which were to have a profound effect on both the Architecture and Religious life of this country. The Continental Style included the Gothic Arch, Ambulatory, Refectory, Scriptorium, ( Manuscript Illumination - Book of Kell's ) Kitchen, Workshops ( Enamelling - Book Covers - Chalices - e.g. The Ardagh Chalice and Church etc. all of which were laid out to a Preconceived Plan ( as was the daily lives of the Friar's ) and confined within a set ground plan.

All of the rooms and workshops were Ranged around the Ambulatory / Covered walk way which enclosed an open Court Yard which was used by the Friars to say their daily Office, ( Note:- Book of Hours - Limbourg Brothers ), and the Church was sited alongside this area for convenience. Jerpoint Abbey ( Co. Kilkenny ), Holy Cross Abbey ( Co.Tipperary ), and Dunbrody ( Co. Wexford ), are some other examples of these Monastic sites and all share a common feature i.e. the lack of Ornament. By the C15th. this was to change as you will see.

Ireland went through " Hard Times " up to the C15th. what with the many wars both Local and not so local and the Plague, ( yes we were affected by the Plague but strangely we rarely hear about this? ). From the C15th. on and having recovered from these set backs the " Anglo Normans " ,( Normans who had become more Irish than the Irish themselves ), the new prosperity helped the " Orders " to undertake a renewed building campaign. Many more Orders had also arrived here including the Franciscans who were responsible for many of our most important Friaries e.g. Adare ( Co. Limerick ), Moyne ( Co. Mayo ), and both Muckross and Lislaughtin here in Co. Kerry. These new complexes borrowed from the earlier Cistercian Layout but also included their own ideas .

Muckross Friary :- In 1448 Donal Mac Carthy Mór ( large or big ) became the Founder of Muckross Friary and like all of these buildings would have taken many Decades to construct. It was built of local Limestone and Lime mortar and followed the well worn Plan of the Chancel and the Nave, followed by The Squared Tower, and then the side Chapels / Transept. The exterior was meant to be, and is Imposing, with its battlements and its position overlooking the Lakes of Killarney. These Religious sites were seen as places of Prayer, Learning, Repose and Craftsmanship but also of Power both for the founding Order and the Founder .

The Western Facade contains the main Entrance doorway to the Nave, ( of the Church with its Limestone Mouldings and Gothic Arch ), which is sparse and devoid of decoration except for the Battlements and the windows on the upper floors some of which are Divided Lights. Walking to the South you will see the Transept / Side Chapel which looks very stark until you arrive at its Gable end which has a Gothic window made up of four ( Carved Limestone ) divided Lights toped with decorative Tracery. Continue on to the Eastern side ( Rear ) and again you will come across an even larger Decorative window through which you can see the Tower and has the same style of Decorative Tracery as that of the Transept. Continuing on you will pass the exterior of the Sacristy and you are then at the rear of the Friars Living and Working quarters. This portion of the building is tree stories in height and displays the Batter at the base of the walls which helped to Reinforce the walls and act as a defensive measure.