The Clane Friary dates from 1258 when Gerald Fitzmaurice Fitzgerald, 4th Baron of Offaly, had it built and gave it to the Franciscan Order. It experienced a sad period of misfortune at the end of the 14th century, but flourished again in 1450. In 1536 the friary suffered the same destiny as many others religious buildings, when king Henry VIII suppressed all the religious order in Ireland and confiscated the lands. In 1540 parts of the building were destroyed and some features of the friary were taken by Lord Grey to repair Maynooth Castle.
Unfortunately only poor remains live today. The largest surviving part of the building is the north wall which is 38 metres long. Of the south wall only 20 metres stand, while the east wall is partially collapsed.
The tomb of Fitzgerald, who died in 1283, is still visible in the southeast corner of the chancel, but his effigy is badly damaged.
The graveyard around is very well kept, and the atmosphere could be relaxing if they hadn't built a horrible shopping centre with an embedded hotel a few metres away from the ruins!
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