Description
Kilconnell Franciscan Friary is a remarkably preserved medieval stone ruin located in the peaceful countryside near Ballinasloe, offering families a fascinating glimpse into Ireland's monastic past. As one of the most intriguing historical things to do with kids in Galway, this ancient national monument provides a completely free, unguided outdoor adventure where children can explore hidden arches, step inside a medieval tower, and discover centuries-old stone carvings.
Prices start from £0.00, as this is a public historic landmark under the care of the Office of Public Works that is completely free to visit at any time of the day. Please note that while the landmark is free to explore, it is located in the Republic of Ireland, where local commercial amenities outside the venue operate in Euros (€).
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines fresh country air, atmospheric medieval ruins, and a quiet space to explore local heritage, this historic friary is a wonderful hidden gem to add to your Galway itinerary.
Features
- Free
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
Top Features
- Authentic Medieval Ruins: Features a wonderfully preserved church building complete with a nave, chancel, side aisles, and a partial outdoor cloister.
- Tower Exploration: Includes a striking 21-metre tall, slim three-storey crossing tower that completely dominates the surrounding rural skyline.
- Intricate Stone Carvings: Showcases beautiful, flamboyant medieval tomb-niches adorned with historical figures and unique hidden animals.
- Educational Outdoor History: Offers an interactive way for primary school children to see medieval architecture, historic burials, and defensive structures up close.
Highlights
- The Flamboyant Canopied Tomb: Located in the northwest corner of the nave, this elaborately carved tomb is an absolute must-see for families. Children can look closely at the apex to find small stone figures of St. Francis and a medieval bishop. Around the base panel, kids can play a game of spotting six distinct carved saints, including St. John the Evangelist, the Virgin Mary, and St. Denis of Paris.
- The 21-Metre Slim Tower: This tall, four-storey stone crossing belfry sits dramatically between the nave and the chancel. It is built in a classic, slender Franciscan architectural style. Kids will love standing beneath its massive arches to look straight up into the towering stone structure.
- The Hidden Owl Carving: Keen-eyed junior explorers can embark on a mini treasure hunt to search the weathered stone blocks. Tucked away directly under the main crossing tower structure, there is a small, unique medieval carving of an owl waiting to be discovered.
- The Partial Cloister and Domestic Arcade: Families can wander through the remnants of the old friary living quarters, featuring historic pointed arches and octagonal stone columns. It is an excellent spot to explain to kids how the ancient friars used to walk, study, and grow food in these secluded courtyard spaces centuries ago.
- The O'Donellan and Daly Chapels: Opening right off the south transept and chancel walls, these secondary family chapels hold several historic tomb-niches. Children can observe the differences between the grand pointed archways and the rarer rounded arches, showcasing how the estate evolved through different eras of history.
Beyond the Main Attraction: Beyond the boundaries of the friary walls, families can extend their historical road trip by exploring secondary attractions located across the local region. A short 15-minute drive leads directly into the heritage town of Ballinasloe, which features lovely family-friendly parks, walking trails along the River Suck, and plenty of local spots for lunch. For a full day of historic discoveries, you can drive 23.1 km west to explore the dramatic medieval walls and stronghold of Athenry Castle, or head 27.6 km east to visit the famous riverside ruins and round towers of the Clonmacnoise Monastic Site.
44.11 miles
