Church in ruins

Part of the early ecclesiastical remains (GA029-017004-) at Kilbenan. The standing remains are those of a poorly preserved rectangular church (E-W; 23.2m, Wth 8.3m), probably of late medieval date: according to Harbison (1975, 93-4), it was built by the Franciscans. While both gables survive to their full height, most of N wall, and E end of S are destroyed. There is a round arch doorway towards W end of S wall and the base of a possible window at W end of same. The E gable contains a blocked twin-light cusped ogee-headed window; a burial vault has been built up against its outer face. A series of beam slots on the inner face of W gable indicate the former presence of a loft at this end. Three flat-headed opes are visible in this gable: a tiny window set off-centre on ground floor, a larger centrally placed rectangular window on first, and a blocked ope at the same level to S of the latter. Internally, there is a dividing wall at W end. A number of architectural fragments were also noted, including a decorated arch fragment. (O'Flanagan 1927, Vol. 1, 92-5; Killanin and Duignan 1967, 448) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. II - North Galway'. Compiled by Olive Alcock, Kathy de hÓra and Paul Gosling (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1999). Date of upload: 05 August 2010 The monument was taken into Ownership under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 - National Monument 48.

A local church or high cross; wider significance not recorded.