The 4th Earl of Desmond founded the Franciscan Friary, or the Abbey which it is more commonly known, about 1389. The abbey is built on the banks of the river Deel and is still in good condition, some of its features include its cloisters, the beautiful transepts, the Stephenson mural tablet, the east window, the carving of St Francis and the chapter room, which is the final resting place of two Irish martyrs. The abbey is also the burial place of the earls of Desmond. On Oct 1579 after failing to take Askeaton Castle, Sir Nicholas Malby attacked the abbey, set fire to the town of Askeaton, in the abbey he put a number of monks to death. In 1627 the friars returned to live among the ruins of the abbey. The Catholic Confederate Forces, who had taken control of the castle in 1642, helped to repair parts of the structure and it was re-established in 1643. Part of the abbey was used as the local parish church up to 1847 until it was accidentally destroyed by fire. The cloisters in the abbey are amongst the finest to be seen anywhere , they measure 204ft and are carved from limestone which was brought from Cannon Island on the Shannon Estuary. On the north west corner of the cloisters, there is a unique carving of St. Francis, complete with the stigmata. Local tradition says if you suffer from a toothache and kiss St. Francis, you will be relieved of your pain.