Why this matters
Early medieval monastic site; associated with St Broghan. Likely 7th- to 9th-century, reflecting Christian settlement and ecclesiastical activity in the region.
What is recorded here
Located on flat pasture land with good extensive views with Cairn (OF027-007----) to SW and St Broghan's stone (OF027-009002-) to SE. According to Gwynn and Hadcock (1988, 377) this is the site of an early monastic site founded by St. Bearchan in the 7th-century. Present remains consist of a poorly preserved nave and chancel church (OF027-008002-) built with large blocks of limestone and greywacke stone. Only parts of E wall at foundation level, E end of N wall foundations, N section of dividing wall and W end of S wall survive. No surface trace of graveyard, headstones or enclosure around church. Comerford (1883, 124) described the church as a divided nave and chancel church (ext. L. 45ft; W T 4ft; nave int. Wth 16ft; chancel int. Wth 10.5ft) with no architectural features or headstones visible. St Broghan's stone is a bullaun stone now broken with a shallow depression which according to Comerford (1883, 124) was formed from the impression of the saints head and is now used as a cure for headaches.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload: 23 May 2011
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