Church in Killough Lower

The Ordnance Survey Letters (1838/40) noted 'In the townland of Killough, parish of Kilmacannoge, and near Killough bridge, they show a little field in which stood the church of Killough, i.e. Kill of the lough, or as others called it Killeóch, i.e. Cill of the Virgin. No vestige of church or church yard now remains.' (O' Flanagan 1928, 18A). Compiled by: Claire Breen Date of upload: 01 February 2013

The church in Killough Lower was likely built in the early medieval period, associated with the parish of Kilmacannoge; its name suggests a dedication to Saint Mac Cannan, and it reflects the typical rural Christian settlement pattern of early Ireland. Its location near Killough Bridge indicates its role as a local place of worship in a small, possibly monastic, community.