Founded in the 15th century by the O’Donnell clan for the Franciscan Third Order Regular, this once-thriving religious house found itself caught up in the bitter family feuds that characterised Irish politics at the turn of the 17th century. In 1601, during the Nine Years’ War, the friary was occupied by Niall Garbh O’Donnell’s forces as he sided with the English Crown against his own cousin, the famous Red Hugh O’Donnell. Following this turbulent period, the property passed into the hands of Sir Paul Gore, marking the end of its religious function.

Today, visitors can explore the substantial remains of both the church and the eastern range of domestic buildings. The church, measuring approximately 28.65 metres by 6.73 metres internally, consists of an undivided nave and chancel built from roughly coursed, dressed stone blocks with small pinnings for stability. Though time has taken its toll, with sections of facing fallen away and both gables largely collapsed, the north and south walls still rise to an impressive height of around 5.2 metres. The architectural details that survive hint at the friary’s former elegance; remnants of what was likely a three-light east window, a blocked two-light window in the south wall, and a pointed doorway with chamfered jambs that was carefully restored in 1981.

The domestic quarters to the north of the church reveal the practical side of monastic life, though only fragments remain of what was once a two-storey building containing at least three ground-floor rooms. Evidence of vaulted ceilings can still be seen, including projecting corbels and beam holes that once supported temporary timber frameworks during construction. The easternmost room likely served as the sacristy, complete with a wall press for storing vestments and sacred vessels. Throughout the ruins, small architectural features such as stoups for holy water, wall presses for storage, and the remains of splayed windows offer glimpses into the daily rituals and routines of the Franciscan brothers who once called Magherabeg home.