Athenry Romanesque

This reused fragment of Romanesque ornament is incorporated into the south pier of the former crossing tower at Athenry friary. It comprises of a section of late Romanesque chevron similar to the type of work found on the ribs of the chancel vault in Corcomroe Abbey in Co. Clare. Its presence in Athenry is surprising as the foundation date of 1241 for the friary is too late for work of this type. This raises a question as to what may have stood here prior to that date.