About - Carmelites

About Us

The Carmelite Community has a long history with the town of Kinsale, dating back to the 1300s. Today, the friary is an important element in the town’s identity and the Carmelites continue to serve in various ways.

Community

Kinsale has been home to a community of Carmelite Friars since 1334. The Friary and its associated Church, situated in tranquil and well-maintained gardens, enjoy panoramic views of the town and harbour. Since their arrival in Kinsale, successive communities of friars have tended to the pastoral needs of many people, drawing on the Carmelite charism of prayer, community, and service and continuing to offer a place of welcome, refreshment, prayer, and hospitality.

The community gathers in the Friary Church for prayer each day; for the celebration of the Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Hours. Guests to the Friary are always welcome and are encouraged to join with the Friars in prayer. Books are provided in the vestibule of the Church. Mass and Lauds (Morning Prayer) and Vespers (Evening Prayer) are also livestreamed from the Friary church at https://www.churchservices.tv/kinsalecarmelites

Our ministry of prayer and hospitality would not be possible without the generosity of our friends and benefactors who we remember daily in the prayers of the community and the celebration of Mass.

For more information on the Friary and our ministry please contact us: Email kinsale@carmelites.ie

We look forward to welcoming you to the Friary and hope that, as our guests, our home will afford you the space you need for rest, prayer, and relaxation.

Spirituality

PRAYER is at the very heart of our lives as Carmelites. Our Rule calls us to spend time alone reflecting on the Word of God. Carmelites are called to live as members of a COMMUNITY. We seek God not as isolated individuals but as brothers and sisters who are committed to supporting one another in prayer and in the service of other people. All Carmelite SERVICE and ministry flow from community living and prayer. To learn more about Carmelite Spirituality please click here.

History

The Carmelite Community has an extensive history in the Kinsale area, dating back to the 1300s. Please visit our dedicated Kinsale History page here where you can explore some of the highlights of this, on a century-by-century basis. Alternatively, please feel free to download a summary document here which you can read at your leisure.

Friary Church Reopening

After months of renovations and restoration, the reopening and blessing of the Friary Church was celebrated on October 23rd 2022. Hundreds gathered for the great occasion with Bishop Fintan Gavin and the Carmelite Community to give thanks for our past, celebrate our present and look forward to the future in hope and trusting in the providence of God. To read more and to see photos please click here.