[3] A Norman castle was built soon after by Thomas de Clare, a military commander.

It was this structure which the MacNamaras subsequently rebuilt as the present abbey, properly called a friary.

In 1541, during the Reformation, King Henry VIII confiscated the friary and it passed into the hands of Conor O'Brian, Earl of Thomond.

There is an intact cloister, and many other surviving architectural features make the friary of significant historical value.

[2] A visitor centre is located near the building and the structure and grounds can be visited free of charge.