[3] Clane (believed to derive from Claon-áth, "crooked ford") is an early Gaelic monastery.

It hosted the Synod of Clane in 1162, convened by Gelasius of Armagh (Gilla Meic Liac mac Diarmata) and attended by Lorcán Ua Tuathail[6] and 25 other bishops.

It was granted to Robert Eustace, Roger Roche, and Edward Browne in 1541–42 for the use of Sir Thomas Luttrell.

A few friars remained clandestinely and Clane Friary was restored again in 1647 before final abandonment in 1650.

Bonaventure Mellaghlin was transferred to Clane as guardian[15] Franciscans still return each year to celebrate Mass on the feast of the Portiuncula.