The Carmelite community first came to Loughrea in 1300 and since then they have been a treasured part of life in the town. The ruins of the Old Abbey tell their story of the many years of service until the mid 1600s when the friars were forced to disband. To mark its long history, Mass is still said on July 16th. each year in the ruins of the old Abbey.

 In 1720, during the course of some 
 restoration work on the Old Abbey, a
 chalice dating back to 1641 was
 discovered hidden in a wall. This chalice
 is still used for daily Mass.

 
The Abbey is very popular with local people and many attend the daily and week-end Masses held there. As confessors and counsellors, the friars are popular and are available daily for those who wish to avail of their help. They are also chaplains to the nearby monastery of Carmelite nuns.