Church (in ruins)

In low-lying grassland near the S limits of Kilbeacanty village. At least two phases of construction are evident in this ruined rectangular medieval church (16.9m E-W; 6.6m N-S). The W gable and both side-walls survive but only the returns of E gable are evident. A clear break in the masonry of the side-walls is visible and that to the W of it (L 12m) is almost semi-cyclopean in nature while that to the E (L 6.3m) consists of smaller boulders. The main architectural features, all of which are found in S side-wall, include a blocked-up doorway near the W end, a robbed-out window, to the E of which there is a single-light ogee-headed window. Next to this, near the SE corner a small rectangular recess, probably an aumbry, is visible. Two very narrow openings are also visible in the W gable at a height of c. 5m. (O’Flanagan 1927, Vol. 2, 249-50) Compiled by: Galway Archaeological Survey, UCG Date of upload: 19 February 2020

The church at Kilbeacanty was built in the medieval period, with at least two phases of construction, likely between the 13th and 16th centuries. Its rectangular plan and surviving gable and side walls suggest a typical rural ecclesiastical style, though its specific dedication is not recorded; it represents a significant local example of medieval Christian worship and architecture.