St. Kieran's Church

St. Kieran's Church is a medieval church and National Monument located in Errill, County Laois, Ireland.[1][2]

St. Kieran's Church
Errill Church
Séipéal Naomh Chiaráin
St. Kieran's Church
52.852899°N 7.672005°W / 52.852899; -7.672005
LocationErrill, County Laois
CountryIreland
DenominationCatholic Church (Pre-Reformation)
History
StatusIn ruins
Founded6th century AD
Founder(s)Saint Ciarán of Saigir
Architecture
Heritage designationNational Monument
Years builtMiddle Ages
Specifications
Length16.9 metres (18.5 yd)
Width8.8 metres (9.6 yd)
Number of floors1
Floor area149 square metres (1,600 sq ft)
Administration
DioceseOssory

Location

St. Kieran's Church is located to the south of Errill village, about 5 km (3½ miles) to the west of Rathdowney, on the south bank of the Errill River (a tributary of the River Erkina, which itself feeds into the Nore).

History

The site at Errill dates back to the early Christian period where a monastery was founded by Saint Ciarán of Saigir (died c. AD 530). A holy tree and holy well associated with Kieran stand nearby. Only grass-covered wall footing remains of the monastery. The church was built later, in the medieval period. A wayside cross was constructed in the 17th century.

The building

Ruins consist of upstanding walls, measuring 16.9 m x 8.8 m. A doorway and rounded window remains in the south wall. Another window survives also. Masonry has been reused as gravemarkers in the graveyard.

References

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