St. Mary's Priory

St. Mary's Priory was founded in 1855 by the Dominican Order and became a centre for Christian learning. An ancient tower from Tallaght Castle was incorporated into the new Priory building.

A long building that had been attached to Tallaght Castle also survived. This was used in Archbishop Hoadley's time as a brewery, and later as a granary and stables. Under the Dominicans it was converted into a chapel and was used as such until 1883, when the new church was built.

Friar's Walk, in the grounds of St.Mary's Priory, Tallaght.

Friar's Walk, in the grounds of St.Mary's Priory, Tallaght.

İSouth Dublin Libraries

Friar's Walk, in the grounds of St.Mary's Priory, Tallaght.
İSouth Dublin Libraries

Friar's Walk, in the grounds of St.Mary's Priory, Tallaght.

Friar's Walk, in the grounds of St.Mary's Priory, Tallaght.

İSouth Dublin Libraries

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The grounds of the Priory, the old palace gardens, still retain many features from their historic past. These include the Archbishop's bathhouse, the Friar's Walk and St. Maelruain's Tree. St. Maelruain's Tree is a huge, old walnut tree. It is hundreds of years old. The trunk is divided in two down the middle. The tree still bears fruit.