Killeshin Church

Map Reference: S673780 (2673, 1780)

St Comghan founded a monastery here at the end of the 5th century. St Diermit and St Moling are also associated with the foundation. It is mentioned many times in the Annals. In 1042 Ferns was burned by Donnchad mac Briain and in revenge for this Killeshin was burned by mac Mael-na-mbo, the oratory was burned, 100 men were slain, and 400 taken. It was burned again in 1077.



The church was built during the 12th century and has a very fine Romanesque west doorway. The doorway has four orders.



The capitals of the pillars have heads with intertwined hair and the arches have foliage and animal motifs.



The triangular hood is partly modern. A Round Tower, 32m high, stood to the north-west of the church. It was removed in 1703 because the owner feared that it might fall on his cattle.







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 Kilmalkedar, Co Kerry Castledermott, Co Kildare Kildare Cathedral, Co Kildare Freshford, Co Kilkenny Ullard, Co Kilkenny 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