Nunnery (in ruins)

Depicted as a small rectangular structure (dims c. 10m x c. 5m) described as a 'Nunnery (in ruins)' on the 1839 Ed. of the OS 6-inch map and located on a gentle S-facing slope adjacent to the site of St Munna's church (WX041-008003-). This may be the site of a pre-Anglo-Norman nunnery which became Arroasian in 12th century but was derelict by c. 1330 (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 324). It might also be the site of St Bridget's church mentioned in 1543, 1558 and 1615, which was part of the possessions of the Knights Hospitallers of Kilcolgan (Hore 1906, vol. 5, 420 21; vol. 4, 287 ). According to a Visitation by Thomas Ram, the Protestant bishop of Ferns, in 1615 there was no priest, and the condition of the church building was not recorded (ibid. vol. 6, 271). The outline of a rectangular structure (dims. 18.5m E-W; 12.8m N-S) defined by low earthen banks (Wth 4m; H 0.2-0.8m) with a possible entrance (Wth 2m) at S was visible in 1988. A possible trackway (Wth c. 5m) running E-W (L c. 70m), defined by low earthen banks, was c. 30m to the S. The site of the Nunnery Well (WX041-008005-) is c. 75m to the SE. Archaeological testing (97E0450) in the vicinity failed to recovery any related material (Hurley 1998). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wexford' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1996). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload/revision: 20 March, 2013 Amended: 4 Sep. 2013