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CAVAN, Abbey Land, Mixed Denomination
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Along with the abbey tower, these enclosure walls are the last surviving remains of one of the most important buildings in the medieval history of Cavan town. The use of the abbey as a burial ground and subsequent parish church are indicative of the often layered history of religious sites. The range of gravestone inscriptions is a valuable source for the political and social history of the town. The grave of Owen Roe O'Neill (c.1590-1649), the celebrated general in the Irish Confederate War, adds to the historical importance of the site. The fine door opening that is preserved in the west wall, as well as the handsome entrance gates are important eighteenth-century features. The former abbey grounds continue to play an important social role in Cavan town and make a significant contribution to its layered architectural landscape.
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Cavan Abbey was founded for the Franciscans by Gilla-isa ruadh O'Reilly about 1300. It is mentioned at intervals in the 15th and early 16th centuries, and was burnt in 1451, 1468 and 1576, often as a result of English raids into Brefny. Its lands, which were not extensive, were confiscated at the Dissolution, and were granted to lessees when the building was not required as barracks for the English garrison. A map of Cavan in 1593 shews the abbey with a square tower attached to it on the south. It probably suffered severely in the wars at the end of Elizabeth's, reign. When at the Plantation Cavan was to be a borough, it was suggested that the cathedral be transferred to Kilmore to the abbey. Some of the buildings were probably used for the school, and the church was roughly fitted up; Cardinal Massari in 1646 describes the roof as of wood and sods.
The graveyard, which is still extensive, formerly reached to the High Street. Beneath the Hibernian Bank it is,said that a medieval stone coffin and lid with Irish inscription were found. At, or not far from, the edge of the enclosure must have stood the Market Cross, shewn on the map of 1593 at the corner of High Street and Plunkett Street.
Of the old church only a small square tower remains, which was built in the early 18th century. At this time the church must have been entirely reconstructed. Built into the tower are some older dressed stones. Two pieces, parts of a jamb and a large arch, could well belong to the 14th century, and may have formed part of the original church.
[The Churches of County Cavan, O. Davies, The Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, Vol. 78, No. 2 (Dec., 1948), p. 118]
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CAVAN, Abbey Land, Mixed Denominationand paste it along with the county name into the search box at Ordnance Survey Ireland. - GeoHack (Links to on-line maps and location specific services.)