In 1211, William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke granted land to build the Priory of St. John the Evangelist.

Some time between 1361 and 1405, the Prior of Saint John’s, Walter Walsh, was excommunicated and the Priory was placed under interdict by the Bishop of Ossory.

During the Confederate era (1642–52), the site was granted to the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin.

In 1645 Cardinal Giovanni Battista Rinuccini got the priory opened up to the Jesuits, but they were driven out in 1650.

[4][5][6] The Lady Chapel of St John's was known for its many stained glass windows (supposedly inspired by Sainte-Chapelle, Paris, 1238–48) and the five triple lancet windows lighting the south side, and was called the "Lantern of Ireland."