Indicated

Situated on the low-lying flood plains of the river Brosna. Ruins of a simple rectangular church (OF014-040001-) built with irregularly coursed limestone blocks giving the masonry a cyclopean appearance often found on early medieval churches. A bronze bell and its shrine were found in the nearby river in 1849 and were locally associated with the church (JRSAI 1868-9 Vol. 19, 347-8). A large semi-circular enclosure (approx. int. diam. 190m N-S ; 310m E-W) runs off the River Brosna which acts as an enclosing element on its S side with church located in centre of enclosure. During the winter months this enclosure floods acting as a waterfilled moat around the church. It appears to have originally consisted of an inner bank now mainly levelled and a wide flat bottomed fosse. This was the site of 'the ancient monastery of Kilwheery' (Anon 1868-9, 347). 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