Church in ruins, Grave yd.

The remains of the church and graveyard have been completely cleared and landscaped to create Le Fanu Park. This was the medieval parish church of Ballyfermot, described by D'Alton (1838, 639) as being in perfect condition. It was dedicated to St. Laurence and was associated with the Knights Hospitallers of Kilmainham. In 1539 it transfered to John Allen. In 1608 the King granted to Sir Robert Newcomen the ruinous chapel called St. Laurences atBallyfermot. The Regal Visitations of 1615 reported the church and chancel in ruins (op cit 640). In 1978 when the site was inspected (OPW) there were still foundations of the church and some gravestones of 19th century date.