Locations
The Abbey, Loughrea, Co. Galway

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, (First Councillor), Fr. Cronan Glynn, OCD, Fr Ambrose McNamee, OCD, and Fr. Tom Shanahan, OCD.


Normal Schedule of Services:

Masses:
Mon – Fri: 10:30am – 4pm

Sat: 10:30pm – 4pm

Holy Week Mass

Palm Sunday 24th March 2024 – 9.00am, 11.00 am, 6.00pm Confessions after Mass

Monday 25th March 2024 – 8.00am & 10.00am Confessions 10.30am – 11.00am

Tuesday 26th March 2024 – 8.00am & 10.00am

Wednesday 27th March 2024 – 8.00am & 10.00am **Penitential Rite – 6.00pm

Holy Thursday 28th March 2024 Mass of the Lord’s Supper – 6.00pm Confessions: 12 noon – 1.00pm; 3.00pm -4.30; 7.00pm

Good Friday -29th March 2024 Celebration of our Lord’s Passion – 3.00pm Stations of the Cross – 6.00pm Confessions 12 noon – 1.00pm, 4.00-4.30pm, 6.30pm

Holy Saturday 30th March 2024 Vigil 8.30pm Confessions: 12 noon – 1.00pm; 3.30pm- 4.30pm; 5.30pm – 6.30pm

Easter Sunday Masses 9.00am, 11.00am & 6.00pm

Mass Religious Shop

Mon – Fri: 10:30am – 4:00pm Sat. 10am – 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 Fax: 091 842343 (Int’l code 353)
E-mail: carmeliteloughrea@ocd.ie