Road - road/trackway

The National Monuments Service's description

A monastery at Lemanaghan (Liath Manchán) was founded in the 7th century by Manchán whose feastday is celebrated on the 24th of January (Ó Riain 2011, 429). The length of the roadway measures 249m with an average width of 3m. The road is made up of large boulders and natural bedrock. The togher appears to connect Lemanaghan church (OF015-004003-) with the oratory known as St. Mella's Cell (OF015-004006-) which is located to the SE of the church and graveyard.

The togher is part of an archaeological complex consisting of an ecclesiastical enclosure (OF015-004008-),a tower house (OF015-004001-), church (OF015-004003-), several early christian cross-slabs (OF015-004005-/032-) and architectural fragments in the interior of the church. To the NW there is a rectangular building (OF015-004009-) possibly of late medieval date. Possible oratory or hermitage (OF015-004006-) located to the SE of the church.

See attached geophysical image of section through togher by Gibson 2004

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.

Compiled and revised by: Caimin O'Brien

Date of revised upload: 14 September 2018

References

Ó Riain, P. 2011 A dictionary of Irish Saints. Dublin. Four Courts Press.

Gibson, P.J. and George, D.M. 2004 Geophysical investigation of the Leamonaghan monastic settlement, Co. Offaly. Unpublished Heritage Council Report supported by Offaly County Council.