An Early Irish Monastery existed at this location, probably founded in the 6thc. (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 154). The obit of the Bishop of Cork, Giolla Aedha Ua Muidhin in 1172 records that he came from the community of Oired Locha Conn or Errew, suggesting that by the 12thc. the monastery was of sufficient importance to provide a senior ecclesiastic (Ó Floinn 1998, 161). In the 15thc. (1413) the site became Augustinian.
Gwynne and Hadcock record that there was also a nunnery at Errew, but the date and location of the foundation are obscure.