Church in Abbeyleix Demesne

Situated within Abbeyleix Demesne in gently undulating countryside. No visible surface remains. Not marked as antiquity on any OS 6'' map. The old Protestant church stands on the site of the pre-Reformation church (Carrigan 1905, vol. 2, 389). No visible surface remains. Described by Carrigan as 'The Parish Church of the Pre-Reformation Rectory of Abbeyleix stood in Abbeyleix Demesne, on the site of the old Protestant church of Abbeyleix, now the private place of worship of the De Vesci family. The graveyard (LA023-036002-) attached thereto was, until a few years ago, the burial place of some of the old Catholic families of the district, and Catholics have still the right of interment here. It adjoins the site of the Abbey of Abbeyleix.' (Carrigan 1905, vol. 2, 389). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 17 December 2007