Kilnalahan Abbey is the site of the only Carthusian Foundation in Ireland. It was founded in the mid 13th century.
The Carthusian Order began in the Charteuse area of France. They spread to Britain following the Norman conquest, and eventually they were invited to settle in the then secluded area of Kilnalahan, in the diocese of Clonfert.
The first Franciscans to arrive in Ireland settled in Youghal in 1229 and is was not until the end of the following century that they expanded to the diocese of Clonfert, establishing a community of twelve friars and a guardian at Kilnalahan in 1390.