The Abbey was established in 1291 when the Dominicans were invited to build a monastery by Gilbert Fitzgerald of the White Knights.

The Fitzgeralds continued to be the main benefactors of the Abbey, including the expansion funded by Maurice Fitzgibbon (Fils de Gilbert) in 1320.

[2] A tower and ornate five-light east window were added to the church in the 15th century.

[3] The buildings have extensive carved details, including flower buds and human heads[4] some of whom may represent the benefactors of the abbey.

In 1645 the Papal Legate, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Rinuccini, visited during the Confederate Wars.