Molana Priory

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Molana Priory (Irish: Dairinis), also commonly called Molana Abbey, is a monastic foundation of the 6th century, located on a small island in the River Blackwater in County Waterford, Ireland. The monastery was refounded as an Augustinian priory in the 12th century.

Location

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  View from the opposite banks of the River Blackwater
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  Bridge and dam leading to Molana Island from the southern side, likewise seen from the opposite banks
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  Dam which connects Molana island to the main land
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  Trail along the dam to Molana Island, offering a view of the River Blackwater
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  Northward view of the River Blackwater from Molana Island
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  View of Ballynatray House from Molana island
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  Another view from the island to Ballynatray House
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  Map of the vicinity of Molana Priory

Ground plans

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  Ground plan without captions
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  ... with English captions
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  ...with German captions

Nave

According to Patrick Power (see references in the ground plan without captions) the nave dates from pre-invasion times and is therefore the oldest part of the buildings.

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  View of the west window from inside the nave
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  View of the west window from outside
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  Northern entrance to the nave, a late addition by the Smyth family in the 19th century

Choir

According to Patrick Power, the choir is of the 13th century in early English style.

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  Northern choir windows as seen from inside
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  Northern choir windows as seen from outside
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  Southern choir windows as seen from outside
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  Another view of the southern choir windows from outside
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  Ruines of the eastern gable of the choir as seen from outside

East wing

The east wing includes the sacristy (which communicates with the choir), the chapter room, a parlour, and a dormitory in the upper floor.

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  East wing as seen from outside
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  East wing and choir
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  Southern gable of the east wing with the windows that gave light to the staircase to the dormitory
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  Southern gable of the east wing as seen from the inside

South wing

The south wing was dedicated to the refectory.

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  Outside view of the refectory
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  Another outside view of the refectory from south-east
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  Surviving window and reader's pulpit of the refectory
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  Inside view of the west gable of the refectory
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  East gable of the refectory as seen from outside
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  Memorial plaque of the Smyth family at the east gable of the refectory

West wing

The smaller western wing was used for the kitchen.

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  Western range of the monastery including the ruins of the kitchen and the west gable of the refectory
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  Entrance to the kitchen in the north gable of the west wing

Cloister garth

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  Statue of St. Molanfide in the center of the cloister yard
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  The same statue as seen from the east with the door leading to the kitchen in the background
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  Western wall of the cloister garth with the door leading to the kitchen

Prior's lodge

The two storey structure that is attached to the northern side of the choir was most likely used as a lodge by the prior.

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  East side of the prior's lodge
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  North wall of the prior's lodge as seen from north east
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  West wall of the prior's lodge

External building

There is a detached building on the island, located south-west of the main structure, which could have served as a hospital or guest house.

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