Ennis Friary, Co. Clare (Bed and Breakfasts, Clare, Ireland), is worthy of mention, not so much on account of its architectural interest as for the remarkable monuments that it contains. The monastery was founded in the first half of the thirteenth century by Donnchadh Cairbrech O Briain, King of Thomond, for Friars Minor. It was enlarged by Toirrdhealbhach O Briain at the end of the thirteenth century, and was further enlarged in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. The ruins of the church consist of a chancel and nave with a lofty tower at their junction. The most important of the monuments is the so-called Royal or MacMahon tomb, which is built against the north wall of the chancel near the east gable. It was at one time a mere heap of stones, but the sculptured slabs were rebuilt about 1843. The carved slabs have been described as being probably the finest and most spirited series of late fifteenth-century carvings of the Passion in our Irish monasteries. The subjects include, the Betrayal of our Lord, the Flagellation, the Crucifixion, the Entombment, and Resurrection. The ancient canopy of this tomb fell down in recent times, and a modern one, imitated from that of the Inchiquin tomb, was erected in its place. The second canopied tomb stands against the south wall of the chancel and is probably of late fifteenth century date. It covers the graves of King Toirrdheallbach; Cu Meadha Mac Conmara; and some of the Lords Inchiquin. It is decorated with some gracefully carved floral designs.
