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 23 monastic settlements, highlighting their role in society and their changes in fortune through political upheaval. Copies are available through the library service and limited copies are available from the Offaly Historical and Archaeological Society, Bury Quay and from Midland Books, Tullamore.
Monastic Sites in Offaly
There are a number of sites that are appropriate to visit and have information boards. Offaly County Council is actively working to maintain, conserve and increase access to these sites. For more detailed information on the archaeology of each site see “Stories from a Sacred Landscape, Croghan Hill to Clonmacnoise” by Caimin O’Brien and www.archaeology.ie
Clonmacnoise
This stunning site on the Shannon is run by the Office of Public Works, it is open 7 days a week with tours available.
Croghan Hill
Close to Daingean and Rhode this stump of an ancient volcano is very visible in the landscape and was important in early Christian times. There is a signed walking route from the junction at Croghan Hill up to the top. The Croghan Hill information board can be downloaded here.
Lemanaghan
This site is on the R436 Ballycumber to Ferbane road. It has undergone a programme of conservation from 2000-2010. There is an information board on site and Lemanaghan Conservation Plan published by the Heritage Council. The site is managed by a local management group along with Offaly Heritage Office. It is closely connected with Boher Church where the 12th century St Manchan’s Shrine is on display.
Lynally Church and Monastic Site
This is signed from the roundabout at Mucklagh. The church was conserved by Offaly County Council in 2017. Take care crossing private farm land to the site. Also visible is the Anglo-Norman motte and bailey. See the Lynally Information Panel.
Letter Monastic
Located just south of Cadamstown on the R421. The site is signposted but note it is across private land. See the Letter information board.
Rahan
This site is signposted from the N52, Tullamore to Birr road, 1km from Mucklagh and accessible from the Grand Canal Cycle Way. 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 mindful not to block the gate and leave all gates as you find them. The Rahan Conservation Plan was commissioned by Offaly County Council in 2007 and was carried out by conservation architects Howley Hayes. Copies can be purchased from the Offaly Historical and Archaeological Society in Bury Quay, Tullamore, Offalyhistory.com | Offaly History Book Store. Significant conservation work on the church was carried out in 2005 and 2013 with assistance from the Heritage Council. The church is an interesting example where harmful concrete render has been removed and the lime render has been re-applied. See the Tullamore Union of Parishes Facebook page for services at the church. The second medieval ruined church on site is in the care of the Office of Public Works. 3D scans of the carved stone and the OPW church are available to view on 3D surveying of Archaeological Monuments.
Birr
The early medieval church of St Brendan, Church Street, Birr was conserved by Offaly Local Authorities, with assistance from the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Heritage Council, under the guidance of Chris Southgate, conservation engineer, work was carried out in 2003 and further conservation work is now planned to make the site accessible.
“Heart and Soul, A History of Saint Brendan’s Graveyard in Birr” by Stephen Callaghan and Caimin O’Brien was published by Offaly County Council in 2016. Copies are available from all libraries or can be purchased from Offaly History, Bury Quay Tullamore (shop or online), Birr Castle and Gardens Shop, Midland Books, Tullamore.
Durrow
Due to conservation works by the OPW the site is not currently accessible. The High Cross at Durrow has been moved inside the church by the Office of Public Works (OPW). The OPW commissioned Howley Harrington Architects to prepare a conservation plan for the site. See the OPW Durrow Conservation Plan 2005.
Seir Kieran
This site is in Clareen and is sign-posted from Birr and from the Kinnitty to Birr road. This enclosure is owned and managed by the Office of Public Works with a Church of Ireland and graveyard at its centre. There is parking adjacent to the church for cars. An information board is available at the site. There is a holy well and rag tree close by. The base of the high cross was scanned and is available on 3D surveying of Archaeological Monuments.
Gallen
This site is just south of Ferbane and is adjacent to the nursing home. It is managed 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.
Drumcullen
This site is outside Kinnitty 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. Substantial conservation work took place in 2018 and concluded in 2020 supported by the Community Monuments Fund. The high cross now at Kinnitty Castle is believed to be from this site. A second high cross-head was removed from the site by Offaly County Council to the Parish Church of Rath in 2015 for display. An information leaflet about the High Cross can be viewed here The Drumcullen Cross Head – there is an information board at this site.
Kinnitty
The present Church of Ireland church is located on the site of Early Christian monastery founded by St Finan in the 6th century. Little is visible of the early monastic site. There is an interesting early Christian cross-slab located inside the church decorated with spiral headed crosses in the angles of a large double lined cross. Key available from Peavoy’s coffee shop on the corner.
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 by Offaly County Council with funding from the Heritage Council.
Reports on Killeigh,
Killeigh Geophysical Study 2005 by Dr Paul Gibson.