For over 700 years Carmelite Friars have lived, prayed and ministered in Loughrea. This presence has been supported by the good people of Loughrea town, the hinterland as well as much further afield.

Now we face new challenges to meet new needs today. Loughrea has expanded and grown over the last few years. New people have come to live here. A new ministry of welcome and outreach is called for. This in part will be achieved in a new collaboration between friars, parish and laity. This is the hour of the laity. We wish to open up our resources for young married families, youth ministry and elderly folk alike.

We invite you to be part of this new challenge.  These pages give a window into the Abbey and after you browse along, come along and visit us at Sunday or week day Masses or indeed at any time.

The Abbey Mass Times & General Information: 

Community:  

Fr. Christopher Clarke, OCD (Prior)

Fr. Micheal MacLaifeartaigh, OCD (First Councillor)

Fr. Tom Shanahan, OCD

Fr. Cronan Glynn, OCD

Fr. Patrick Beecher, OCD

Fr Tijomon Xavier, OCD (Bursar)

Fr. Melki, OCD.

Times of the Holy Week Ceremonies – 2025 

     Palm Sunday 13th  April

Mass 9.00 a.m.  11.00 a.m. 6.00 p.m.

Confessions after Mass

Monday 14th & Tuesday 15th April

Mass 8.00 a.m. & 10.00 a.m.

Confessions 10.30 a.m. – 11.00 a.m.

Wednesday 16th April

Mass 8.00 a.m. & 10.00 a.m. 

Penitential Rite 6.00 p.m. 

Holy Thursday 17th April

Confessions   12 noon    – 1.00 p.m.

                       3.00 p.m.  – 4.30 p.m.

7.00 p.m.  –

Mass of the Lords Supper 6.00 p.m.

Adoration until  8.30 p.m.

Good Friday 18th April

Celebration of the Lord’s Passion 3.00 

  Stations of the Cross 6.00 p.m.

Confessions 12 noon – 1.00 p.m.

4.00    –  4.30 p.m.

6.30 p.m. 

Holy Saturday 19th April

Confessions  12 Noon – 1.00. 

    3.30  – 4.30 p.m.

     5.30 – 6.30 p.m. 

Vigil 8.30 p.m.

Easter Sunday Mass

9.a.m. 11.a.m. & 6.p.m. 

Normal Schedule of Services:

Masses:
Monday – Saturday: 8:00am and 10:00am

Sunday: 9:00am, 11:00am and 6:00pm

Mass Religious Shop

Monday – Saturday: 10:30am – 4:00pm

Confessions:
Saturdays & Vigils of Holy Days
Vigil of First Friday: 12.00 – 1.00 pm, 3.30 – 4.30 pm, 5.30 – 6.30 pm, 8.00 – 9.00 pm

Mass Office:
Mon – Fri: 10:30am – 4pm Sat: 10:30pm – 4pm

Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays
The Mass Office and Shop are located on the First Floor of the monastery just inside the main door. You can buy Mass Cards, Sympathy Cards, Exam Mass Cards, The Golden Book Cards as well as Holy Medals, Scapulars and Prayer Cards.

How to get there: 

Buses:
Buses stop at Main Street, Loughrea. The Abbey is about 10 minutes’ walk from there.

Address:
The Abbey, Loughrea, Co. Galway, Ireland.
Tel: 091 841209
E-mail: carmeliteloughrea@ocd.ie