churches historical kilkenny

This 13th century church, now in ruins, has an adjoining castellated presbytery or stone house. there are traces of the original consecration crosses to be seen the ogee headed doorways, remains of the altar, sedelia and book rest. Inside the ruined church on the North Wall is the effigy of a Norman Knight in full armour - a Cantwell warrior. It is referred to as Cantwell Fada and this effigy is the tallest of its kind in Britain or Ireland. The Cantwells were Lords of Kilfane and adjoining a...

Ballylarkin Abbey near Freshford was built in 1350 by the Shorthall Family. The abbey is small in size but contains a wealth of splendid carvings and architectural features. Access direct, on private land....

A 96 foot high Round Tower, missing original conical top, dominates this old monastic site whose early history is unknown. Near it stands a ruined church with flat-headed doorway and antae. The chancel and the rounded arch are later additions. The church may have been put to secular use in the 17th century tomb. In a field to the west stands a much work High Cross, possibly of 9th century date. Much of the cross is decorated with geometrical motifs. On the east face are representations of...

The remains of a Gothic church which was largely demolished in 1870. A medieval tower with a probably earlier, 12th century Romanesque doorway and a modern top still survives, together with the north wall of the church with its 15th century window. Below the later is a fine tomb dated 1622. Locked in the base of the tower is an interesting double-effigy tomb of the 15th century.

Knocktopher House nearby (private) incorporates part of the old Carmelite Friary of St. Saviour, while o...

A simple rectangular church of 12th century date, with later additions. There is a simple round-headed doorway with Romanesque mounding in the west wall, while the 12th century south door was altered later....

A 12th century romanesque church consisting of a nave and chancel. The doorway has been much tampered with (possibly in the 16th century when the innermost order of the doorway was constructed). Over the window above the doorway is a sculptured panel showing the meeting of two people-it may have formed part of the original doorway, as at Freshford. Note the worn heads above the doorway; one is said to represent St. Moling, the founder of the church, and the other is said to be St. Fiacre. Th...