Richard Pococke (1704 – 1765) was an English clergyman and writer. He was the Bishop of Ossory and Meath, both dioceses of the Church of Ireland. However, he is best known for his travel writings and diaries. The most interesting aspect of his report on Quin Abbey is his reference to the adjoining buildings. The gable wall of the ‘apartment for strangers’ he mentions here is still standing while all that remains of the other two is the footprint and some low rising walls, one of which is Tig na Saor.
“Quin is one of the finest and most entire monasteries that I have seen in Ireland; it is situated on a fine stream, with an ascent of several steps to the church; at the entrance one is surprised with the view of the high altar entire, and of an altar on each side of the arch of the chancel. To the south is a chapel with three or four altars in it, and a very Gothic figure in relief of some saint; on the north side of the chancel is a fine monument of the family of the Macnamaras of Rance, erected by the founder; on a stone by the altar the name of Kennedye appears in large letters; in the middle, between the body and the chancel, is a fine tower built on the gable ends.
In this painting (artist unknown) of what was probably a pattern (patron) gathering, a building to the left is likely to be the apartment for strangers
The cloister is in the usual form, with couplets of pillars, but is particular in having buttresses round it by way of ornament; there are apartments on three sides of it,-the refectory, the dormitory, and another grand room to the north of the chancel, with a vaulted room under them all; to the north of the large room is a closet, which leads through a private way to a very strong round tower, the walls of which are near ten feet thick.
In the front of the monastery is a building, which, seems to have been an apartment for strangers, and to the south-west are two other buildings.”
This 1787 Henry Pelham painting captures the two other buildings to the south-west.
As well as the Apartment for strangers on the west side, which presumably is some type of accommodation for visitors, we also know of An Sgoil (The School) on the east side. Additionally, mention is made elsewhere (see An Gobán Saor post on this website) of Tíg an Saor (The Masons House) on the south side of the abbey. Henry Pelham shows this, alongside another building, in his 1794 painting (see above). The footprint of the latter two buildings can still be traced on the ground.
From the 1930’s Schools Folklore Collection:
“It was said that the jurisdiction of the Quin Monastery extended from Drim to Kildrum. After getting free board and lodging in the guest house in the Quin Monastery, a traveller could, by getting beyond the boundary in the north at Drim, or beyond the boundary in the south at Kildrum, return to the monastery and get for another fortnight free board and lodging. It is remarkable that a little stream marks the boundary at both ends. Having crossed the stream at either side, you were welcome to return to the monastery and share again in its hospitality.”
Told by John Clune, carpenter, Quin
