Graveyard

The National Monuments Service's description

Situated in a low lying area. An Early Christian monastery was founded here in the sixth century by St Cainnech (Canice). It was plundered and burnt a number of times, and in 1234 was rebuilt as an Augustinian priory (Harbison 1970, 139). A Dominican friary (LA022-019001-), founded by Florence MacGillapatrick, Lord of Ossory, was built close by in 1382. It was suppressed in 1540 (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 221). The present Protestant church stands on the site of the Augustinian church. The bell-tower belongs to the Augustinian church of Cill Cainnigh (Aghaboe), was built by the successor (coarb) of Ciaran of Saighir in 1234 according to the Annals of Aghaboe. It was taken down in 1818 and the present Protestant church built on it's foundations. A 17th century grave slab (LA022-019005-), dated 1675, lies at E end of the church and an octagonal font (LA022-019004-) lies outside the entrance. This Church of Ireland buildng is situated in the N quadrant of a large rectangular graveyard (dims. 60m NE-SW; 100m NW-SE) containing 18th and 19th century memorials. The Dominican friary (LA022-019001-) is located just outside the boundary wall of the graveyard on the W side. The Anglo-Norman motte and bailey (LA022-019007-) is located in the field 125m to the N.

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Compiled by Caimin O'Brien
Date of upload: 03 May 2012