Kilmalkedar Monastic Site

Map Reference: Q403062 (0403, 1062)





The site is associated with St Maolcethair who died in 636 but the existing church dates mainly from the 12th century. It is a small nave and chancel church which features the remains of a stone roof over the chancel.



There is a fine Romanesque west doorway and chancel arch and the gables are high-pitched and have finials.



Standing beside the chancel arch is a cross-inscribed stone known as the Alphabet Stone. It has a cross on either side and an inscription down one side. It appears to be a fragment of a larger stone since an incomplete carving occurs above one of the crosses. In the nave is a square- headed blind arcade.



There are a number of round-headed windows. On either side of the east window are much-weathered masks. The Romanesque doorway features an inserted square lintel with a carved mask on the inside. The doorway has three orders. The outermost arch has a carved mask as a keystone. The church has antae at the top of which are carved masks. In the churchyard is a fragment of a large plain cross.





Beside it is a thin Ogham stone about 2m high with a small perforation near the top. The inscription is on three edges.



Near the churchyard wall is a very fine sundial with a Maltese cross inscribed on the reverse. There are a number of plain grave markers and a bullaun-stone standing on edge.





For details of other Decorated Romanesque Doorways & Arches click on the links below

Kilmore Cathedral, Co Cavan Dysert O’Dea, Co Clare Killaloe Cathedral, Co Clare White Island, Co Fermanagh Annaghdown Cathedral, Co Galway Clonfert, Co Galway Tuam Cathedral, Co Galway Aghadoe, Co Kerry Ardfert Cathedral, Co Kerry Castledermott, Co Kildare Kildare Cathedral, Co Kildare Freshford, Co Kilkenny Ullard, Co Kilkenny Killeshin, Co Laois Timahoe, Co Laois The Nun's Church, Clonmacnois, Co Offaly Rahan, Co Offaly Cashel, Co Tipperary Donaghmore, Co Tipperary Kilcash, Co Tipperary Monaincha, Co Tipperary Roscrea, Co Tipperary St Saviour’s Priory, Glendalough, Co Wicklow