Church in Durrow Townparks

Marked on the 1841 edition of the OS 6-inch map and on the Down Survey (1655-6) map. Dedicated to St Fintan and was demolished before 1731 and the site is now occupied by the Protestant church (Carrigan 1905, vol. 2, 213). No visible surface remains. According to Carrigan 'The foundations of what was traditionally known as 'Durrow Monastery' (LA029-042), remained till 1835, about 60 yards north-west of the churchyard of Durrow, between the base of the 'Castle Hill' and the small stone bridge crossing the Erkina at this point. The ancient parish church (LA029-045) of Durrow, dedicated to St. Fintan, stood within the present churchyard. No trace of it remains. It must have been taken down close to two centuries ago; for in 1731, its site was occupied by the Protestant parish church of Durrow, which is described as 'new built and decently pewd. And flagged'. This latter church continued in use till between 1792 and 1798, when it was replaced by its present successor' (Carrigan 1905, vol. 2, 213). Nineteenth century C of I church located in N quadrant of a large rectangular graveyard (LA029-045001-) enclosed by a high stone wall located just off the town green of Durrow village. Current church probably built on the site of the medieval church of Durrow. 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