Visit the Friary
The Friary in Kinsale welcomes all those who wish to visit; to stay in our lodgings; or to attend one of our many retreats or events, all from our fabulous location, overlooking the idyllic town of Kinsale.
Why come?
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. Successive communities since their arrival in Kinsale since have attended to the pastoral needs of many people, drawing on their particular charism of prayer, community and service and continue to offer a place of welcome and refreshment, prayer and hospitality.
As Christians, we are encouraged to take time with God who ultimately encounters us where we are in our lives to take us to where we are meant to be. The rule of life that was given to the early Carmelites by St Albert, Patriarch of Jerusalem in the early part of the thirteenth century, reminds us of the importance of personal prayer and that we are to ponder the law of the Lord, by day and by night, in silence and in solitude. We are to live a life of prayer that fosters our relationship with God.
As well as giving time to personal prayer, the Carmelite Community gathers at certain moments during the day for the celebration of Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours. Visitors are welcome to join the community for all our services in the Friary Church which dates from 1837 and has been recently renovated.
Visit
We welcome people from all walks of life who come to our beautiful Friary for all sorts of reasons. Some come to join the community for the daily celebration of Mass or the Liturgy of the Hours. Some come for meetings and courses in the Friary Centre or drop into the friary Mass office and shop. Some come to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and other to discern their path in life or to reconnect with God on a deeper and more personal level.
Weekdays
09:30 am Lauds (Morning Prayer)
10:00 am Conventual Mass
06:00 pm Vespers (Evening Prayer)
Sundays
08:30 am Mass
10:30 am Lauds (Morning Prayer)
11:00 am Mass
07:00 pm Solemn Vespers (Adoration & Benediction of the Most Blessed)
Stay
We also welcome people to come and spend some quiet time, for rest, reflection, reading and renewal and join in the rhythm of the Friary and stay in our lodgings. To reserve a room in the Friary Lodgings, please email kinsale@carmelites.ie or call 0214772138
The Lodgings are open all year round. The warm and comfortable bedrooms are ensuite and elevator-accessible, wholesome meals are provided, and guests have access to a library, laundry facilities and small kitchen for use during their stay. A small, private oratory is also located on the first floor of the lodgings for personal prayer and reflection.
Our ministry of prayer and hospitality is only possible through the generosity of friends and benefactors. There is no fixed charge for staying. No one need feel they cannot stay for lack of means. Guests can make a donation towards the cost of accommodation, meals and ongoing maintenance of the Friary. but the amount is entirely up to the guest. All donations to the Friary are gratefully received.
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. Please click here for more information.
Retreats & Events
Our retreat and reflection days offer individuals an opportunity to explore and deepen their relationship with God and to reflect on life and faith in a safe, fun and meaningful way. Our retreats are creatively facilitated through multimedia, group discussion, personal reflection and more. We offer a series of programmes aimed specifically for confirmation classes, 2nd level students and young adults. Please click here for more information.
