It is thought that Ardfert was the original site of the monastery founded by Brendan the Navigator, which burned down c.1089.

[5] Ardfert Friary was founded for the Order of Friars Minor Conventual c. 1253 by Thomas Fitzmaurice, 1st Baron Kerry; he was purportedly buried here c.

[6] In 1310 a disagreement with the Bishop of Ardfert and Aghadoe Nicol Ó Samradáin led to some friars suffering violent beatings.

[7] It was refounded in 1517 for the Observant Franciscan Friars and finally dissolved in 1584; Col. John Zouche turned it into a barracks.

There are also nine lancet windows in the south wall; the design appears to be copied from Ardfert Cathedral.