Cinéal Fhéichín, Co. na Gaillimhe

Kilnalahin (aka Kinaleghin), Co. Galway

This friary known locally as Kilnalahin Abbey is situated in the tiny but very pleasant village of Abbey, west of Portumna, Co. Galway. Originally founded for Carthusian monks, it became a  Franciscan friary in 1371. The Leabhar Breac manuscript was kept here for many years, and indeed was consulted by Br. Mícheál Ó Cléirigh of Donegal Friary in October 1629. On a June visit, I identified white stonecrop, smooth sow-thistle, snapdragon, broad-leaved willowherb, common chickweed, common figwort, meadow buttercup, germander speedwell and a polypody. A large number of birds can be seen in and around the ruins, and local people have recognised this by erecting a noticeboard providing identification for the most common garden birds.  

The village of Abbey with its historic friary is situated just a few kilometres north and east of the very extensive Slieve Aughty Mountains Special Protection Area (SPA) protecting birds and of interest to people interested in bird watching. There are several Natural Heritage Areas (NHA's), Special Areas of Conservation (SAC's) and proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHA's) within the SPA and eastwards towards the town of Portumna. 

Praying Nature at Kilnalahin Friary 

Give yourself a moment to become still, and feel the presence of the God who loves all his creatures including you. Read the piece of scripture below, and absorb it into your being. Then click on a photo, and sit back, gaze & listen to God speaking to you:

All your creatures shall thank you, O Lord,

and your friends shall repeat their blessing.

Psalm 144(145), 10