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The Franciscan Friary, known locally as ’The Abbey’, is located overlooking the pier and was established in 1460 by Fineen O’ Driscoll, chieftain of the area. Evident from the now ruin the Franciscan Friary had a turbulent past. In 1537 the Friary and its residents found themselves at the forefront of a reprisal on the O’Driscoll Chieftain. Most of The Franciscan Friary was laid to ruin and by 1601 the building only consisted of a croft, a cemetery and a few ruined buildings however it continued to function. After 1650 it was confiscated by Cromwellian soldiers. It was then given to the Beecher family who became the islands most prominent landlords. In 1895, Sir Henry Beecher handed it over to the Board of Works and it is now under the protection of the National Monuments Service. (source sherkinisland.ie)