The abbey was founded in 1465 for the Observant Franciscans by Cormac Láidir MacCarthy, Lord of Muskerry, on the grounds of on an earlier Christian site.
Located in the valley of the Bride river, it is named after the sixth century holy lady Saint Cyra, said to have been the abbess of the original nunnery located on the site, and who by legend may be interred in the centre of the choir.
Although both the abbey and nearby Kilcrea Castle are located in what is today open countryside, it is thought that originally the sites were positioned on an east-west axis of a now abandoned early medieval settlement.

Kilcrea was first attacked by the English army in 1542 and sacked in 1584, but continued in use under MacCarthy's patronage.
In 1597, it was granted to Cormac MacDermot MacCarthy.
It was twice repaired, including in 1604, and remained active until the 1620s, with Fr.
John Gould recorded as Superior in 1621.

Its grounds have been used for general burial since the early 17th century; mostly in the graveyard within the ruins of the abbey's chancel.
It was the burial place of the McCarthy's of Muskerry from 1494 to 1616, commencing.
with Cormac MacCarthy.
However there are no surviving traces of their tombs on the site.
Cormac Láidir MacCarthy tomb bears the inscription: "Hit Jacet Cormac filius Derm-ittu Magni MlcCarthy, Domii nus de Illutsgraiyli IFlayn, at istius conventus prinius fun dator An.
Dont.
1495".
A head carved on the tower's upper floors is though to represent him.
The abbey was founded in 1465 for the Observant Franciscans by Cormac Láidir MacCarthy, Lord of Muskerry, on the grounds of on an earlier Christian site. Located in the valley of the Bride river, it is named after the sixth century holy lady Saint Cyra, said to have been the abbess of the original nunnery located on the site, and who by legend may be interred in the centre of the choir. Although both the abbey and nearby Kilcrea Castle are located in what is today open countryside, it is thought that originally the sites were positioned on an east-west axis of a now abandoned early medieval settlement.
Kilcrea was first attacked by the English army in 1542 and sacked in 1584, but continued in use under MacCarthy's patronage. In 1597, it was granted to Cormac MacDermot MacCarthy. It was twice repaired, including in 1604, and remained active until the 1620s, with Fr. John Gould recorded as Superior in 1621.
Its grounds have been used for general burial since the early 17th century; mostly in the graveyard within the ruins of the abbey's chancel. It was the burial place of the McCarthy's of Muskerry from 1494 to 1616, commencing. with Cormac MacCarthy. However there are no surviving traces of their tombs on the site. Cormac Láidir MacCarthy tomb bears the inscription: "Hit Jacet Cormac filius Derm-ittu Magni MlcCarthy, Domii nus de Illutsgraiyli IFlayn, at istius conventus prinius fun dator An. Dont. 1495". A head carved on the tower's upper floors is though to represent him.
Kilcrea Friary