Molana Abbey: from medieval monastery to Tudor Manor to Georgian folly

Abstract

Molana Abbey, a small Augustinian monastery near Youghal, Co. Cork, became the property of Sir Walter Raleigh as part of the Elizabethan colonization of Munster. It passed from him to his scientific advisor, Thomas Harriot, and later via Richard Boyle, Great Earl of Cork, into the Smyth family, who held it until the end of the 20th century. After initial observations of the ruins, a three-stage research project of architectural survey, mortar analysis, and archaeological testing took place from 2012 to 2015. This paper presents those findings, which point to post-medieval alterations and decay as well as systematic changes made to create a medieval folly for the grand Georgian mansion, Ballynatray House, on the banks of the Blackwater River.