Founded in 1508 by Margaret O'Brien and her husband Eoghan O'Rourke, Lord of West Breifne, Creevelea Abbey was among the last Franciscan foundations established in Ireland before the Reformation. Set beside the River Bonet near Dromahair, the friary provided a home for a community devoted to the Franciscan ideals of prayer, simplicity, and service. Its foundation reflected the continuing strength of religious life in Ireland at a time when medieval monastic traditions were approaching a period of profound upheaval.

The friary suffered a devastating fire in 1536, but its community endured. Like many Irish religious houses, Creevelea experienced the consequences of the Reformation and the suppression of the monasteries. Yet the Franciscans maintained their connection to the site, returning in later generations despite periods of persecution and uncertainty. Their persistence reflects the remarkable continuity of religious life in Ireland, even when the institutions that had sustained it were threatened.

Today, the surviving ruins offer an evocative picture of the friary's former life. The church, tower, and cloister preserve elements of its medieval architecture, while the stonework and carved details reveal the craftsmanship of its builders. Among the most memorable features are carvings associated with St Francis of Assisi, including his legendary preaching to the birds. Creevelea remains a testament to the enduring Franciscan presence in Ireland and to the generations who kept their faith alive through changing times.