Church

The National Monuments Service's description

In NE quadrant of graveyard (LI023-002002-). Only standing remains of church is stump of wall (L 2.2m at base; max. H c. 3.3m; T 0.8m; long-axis c. N-S) constructed of rubble limestone with evidence of lime mortar. Two putlog holes pierce width of wall. Remains of parish church of Rochestown (Westropp 1904-5, 441-2) which was also a Dominican house though 'probably only a cell or vicariate of Limerick or Kilmallock' (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 228-9).
Westropp (1904-5, 441-2) recorded the following details about Riochestown; 'A monastery of Dominicans, often confused with Willestown and Ballymwillin (see 325, 336), or, as Archdall says, of Carmelites (Mon. Hib., p. 432); Rochestown, part of the commandery of Aney, 1578 (Fiant, 3250); Rochestown, formerly part of Ballynumrare parish, 1586 (Peyton); Rochestown
Church, in Caherkynlis deanery, 1615; Roachestown, 1655 (D.S. (A 24, Petty, 65); Fabric - The church walls remained, 1826 (Fitzgerald, i., p. 291), but were levelled before 1840. Toberfuaird, or the cold well near it, was supposed to be curative, if not holy. It was closed-by John Croker, 1830 (O.S.L., 8, p. 362)'.

Compiled by: Denis Power

Revised by: Caimin O'Brien

Date of revised upload: 03 January 2019

References

Westropp, T.J. 1904-5 A survey of the ancient churches of Co. Limerick. Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy 25C, 327-479.

Gwynn, A. and Hadcock, R.N. 1970 (Reprint 1988) Medieval religious houses of Ireland. Dublin. Irish Academic Press.