Abbey

Late 16/17th-century house or a possible tower hosue converted into a 17th century house of five bays and presently two storeys high with steeply pitched roof and lime rendered walls with base batter visible. 12th-century augustinian abbey (OF025-017001-) located to the S of the house. There is a single light ogee headed window and a round headed window at the E end of the S wall at first and ground floors respectively. Transitional ogee headed transomed and mullioned window situated at the centre of the S wall at first floor level. Inside the house there is a dog-legged staircase of late 16th/17th century date. The floors are carried on large oak beams while the internal divisions consist of wooden panels constructed from laths and plaster which is a common way of dividing space in medieval buildings. The walls of the house measure approx. 1.1m thick. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

Built in the 12th century, the Abbey at Killeigh was originally a Cistercian monastic foundation, later converted into a house during the 17th century. It is important as a rare example of a medieval abbey repurposed into a domestic residence, reflecting religious and social changes in Ireland during the Reformation and post-Reformation periods.