Church (in Ruins)

This is the church of St Aedhog, Maedhog or Mogue (Carrigan 1905, vol. 2, 229-30). Rectangular church (dims. c. 9.2m N-S, c. 6.2m E-W) constructed of rough limestone boulders located in N quadrant of D-shaped graveyard (LA029-041002-). The S wall (T c. 0.6m) is best preserved with only the foundations of the other walls visible. A large granite stone font (LA029-041003-) (Wth c. 0.3m, D c. 0.18m) with a central perforation, which was recovered from the Goul River (Carrigan 1905, vol. 2, 229) is situated in SW angle of church. Ecclesiastical enclosure (LA029-041004-) visible on aerial photographs (CUCAP, BDL 23-4). Slight evidence of the enclosing bank survives at W, N and NE. Described by Carrigan as 'The churchyard (LA029-041002-) of 'Kyleogue' or 'Killogue' is situated in the townland of Ballybooden. The church has disappeared, not even a trace of its foundations being left. But few interments take place here now. There is but one inscribed tomb; it dates about 1850. Some years ago the holy water font (LA029-041003-), recovered from the Gowl River, to which, perhaps, pious hands had committed it, to save it from desecration, was again brought back to the churchyard; it is of freestone, very rough, with bowl 12 in. in diameter and 7 in. deep.' (Carrigan 1905, vol. 2, 229). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 17 December 2007

The church at Ballyboodin, dedicated to St Aedhog (also spelled Maedhog or Mogue), was likely built in the early medieval period, probably between the 7th and 10th centuries. It is a rectangular structure made of rough limestone boulders, situated in the northern quadrant of a D-shaped graveyard, reflecting a typical Irish early Christian church layout.