Ecclesiastical enclosure in Lemanaghan

A monastery at Lemanaghan (Liath Manchán) was founded in the 7th century by Manchán whose feastday is celebrated on the 24th of January (Ó Riain 2011, 429). Possible ecclesiastical enclosure identified from results of geophysical survey carried out in the fields to the E and W of the church and graveyard (OF015-004003/004-) (Gibson 2004, 56-7; Quinlan and Moss 2007). A curving linear feature identified by the geophysical survey in the field 75m to the SW of the graveyard boundary wall may represent the ditch of the early Christian monastery (Gibson 2004, 58). A second linear feature identified in the field 90m NE of the graveyard boundary wall may also have formed part of this monastic enclosure. This possible ecclesiastical enclosure is part of an archaeological complex consisting of a tower house (OF015-004001-), church (OF015-004003-), graveyard (OF015-004004-) several early christian cross-slabs (OF015-004005-/032-) and architectural fragments in the interior of the church. To the NW there is a rectangular building (OF015-004009-) possibly of late medieval date. Holy well (OF015-004007-) and possible oratory or hermitage (OF015-004006-) and togher (OF015-004011) located to the SE of the main church. See attached imageS of magnetic data collection SW, E & SE of church after Gibson 2004. 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. Compiled and revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 14 September 2018