Church

The National Monuments Service's description

Located on a slight rise of ground in an area of undulating countryside. Present remains consists of a poorly preserved medieval church of rectangular plan (int. dims. 4.2m N-S; 10m E-W; W T 0.65m) built with roughly coursed limestone rubble which in places has a cyclopean appearance. May have reused fabric of earlier building to build surviving church (Harbison 1972, 207). Only the wall footings of the E and W walls survive. Destroyed window on S wall with no other architectural features visible. Poorly preserved high cross with round base located to the SE of church with Crucifixion and Adam and Eve scene on W face with other panels filled with interlace and animal motifs (Harbison 1972, 207). Early Christian cross inscribed graveslab beside high cross with cross potent with hollowed terminals and centre. Inscription 'or do ogain' now barely discernible. A second slab now lost had interlace expansions (Lionard Vol. 61, 113). The outline of an earth and stone bank to the N of the church may indicate graveyard boundary. To the N of the church are several unmarked upright stones, possible grave markers. A blocked up Holy well (OF008-045006-) located to the SE is now marked by a hawthorn bush (DeCourcy Williams 1897, 128-49)

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of upload: 23 May 2011