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An Introduction

One of Offaly's defining features is the large number of significant early monastic sites. This was identified in the first Offaly Heritage Plan 2002 - 2006 and the current plan continues to emphasise its importance. There have been a number of projects that have been undertaken to date.

Publication - Stories from a Sacred Landscape, Croghan Hill to Clonmacnoise by Caimin O'Brien

In 2006, Offaly County Council published a book Stories From A Sacred Landscape, Croghan Hill to Clonmacnoise, by Caimin O'Brien. This sets out the vivid picture of the life and times of 23 monastic settlements, highlighting their role in society and their changes in fortune through political upheaval. It can still be ordered through your local book shop.

Monastic Sites to Visit in Offaly

Not all the sites in Offaly are easily accessible. However there are a number that are good sites to visit and information boards were produced in 2003.

  • Clonmacnoise - This stunning site on the Shannon is run by the Office of Public Works, it is open 7 days a week and tours are available.

  • Lemanaghan - This site is on the R436 Ballycumber to Ferbane road. It has undergone a programme of conservation over the past 8 years. There is an information board on site and a conservation plan published by the Heritage Council. The site is managed by a local management group along with Offaly Heritage Office, the National Monuments Service and the Heritage Council. There is a walking route marked from Lemanaghan to Boher which is a spur of the ancient Pilgrim's Path to Clonmacnoise. St Manchan's shrine is kept in Boher church and it is on public display.
  • Rahan - This site is signposted from the N52, Tullamore to Birr road, one km from Mucklagh. The early church at the centre of the large circular enclosure is owned by the Church of Ireland and the large graveyard adjacent is Roman Catholic. There is access to this site across the field but please respect the farmer who has cattle and sheep in the enclosure. Keep your cars on the road and leave all gates as you find them. A Conservation Plan for this site was commissioned by Offaly County Council in 2007 and was carried out by conservation architects Howley Hayes. Copies can by purchased from the Offaly Historical and Archaeological Society in Bury Quay, Tullamore or email info@offalyhistory.com.Conservation work on the church continues. It is an interesting example where harmful concrete render has been removed and the lime render is being reapplied. The second medieval ruined church on site is in the care of the Office of Public Works. An information board is at the site
  • Birr - The early medieval church of St Brendan at Church Street, Birr, has been conserved by Offaly Local Authorities, with assistance from the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government and the Heritage Council, over the past 6 years under the guidance of Chris Southgate, conservation engineer. An information board is at the site.
  • Durrow - This site is located on the N52 between Tullamore and Kilbeggan on the left approaching Kilbeggan. Park at the gateway and walk down the avenue to the church and graveyard. The High Cross at Durrow has been moved inside the church by the Office of Public Works (OPW). The Church is currently not open to the public. The Office of Public Works are continuing with conservation works at the gatelodge and church. The OPW commissioned Howley Harrigton Architects to prepare a conservation plan for the site. Download OPW Durrow Conservation Plan.
  • Seir Kieran - This site is in Clareen and is sign posted from Birr and from the Kinnitty to Birr road. This site is owned by the Office of Public Works with a Church of Ireland church at its heart. There is parking adjacent to the the church for cars. An information board is at the site. There is a holy well and rag tree close by.
  • Gallen - This site is just south of Ferbane and is adjacent to the nursing home. It is owned by the Office Of Public Works. An information board is at the site.
  • Killeigh - Killeigh village is on the N80 Tullamore to Portaloise road. This is an interesting site which has an evolving settlement around it. There is an information board in the green.
  • Drumcullen - This site is outside Kinnity on the Rath road with an acute turn which requires you to go past, turn and come back! The land between the road and the site is farmed so please leave gates as you find them. This church and graveyard are in the ownership of Offaly County Council. There is an information board at this site.
  • Letter - Located just south of Cadamstown on the R421. The site is signposted and there is an information board at this site.
  • Kinnitty - The present Church of Ireland church is on the site of the medieval church. Little is visible of the early monastic site. Kinnitty High Cross is in the grounds of Kinnitty Castle on the Cadamstown road. There is an information board at the church.

Geophysical Surveys of Monastic Sites

In order to gain a greater understanding of the structure of monastic sites in the county, a number of geophysical studies have been undertaken at Lemanaghan, Killeigh and Rahan.