The Norman-built Sligo Abbey was more accurately a Dominican friary. It was originally founded in 1252 by Maurice FitzGerald, who also founded the town. It was badly damaged by fire in 1414, rebuilt and damaged again during 16th and 17th century conflicts. The Dominicans finally left in 1698 after the Irish Parliament passed the Banishment Act, ordering all monks to leave the country. 

Despite its turbulent history, a number of of carvings remain intact, including Gothic and Renaissance tomb sculpture, a well-preserved cloister and a sculptured 15th century high altar, the only one of its kind to survive in an Irish monastic church.