Church (in Ruins) — Church Hill

Located on top of a hill with good extensive views. Crudely built rectangular church (ext. dims. 7.1m N-S; 10.2m E-W; wall T 0.75m) built with roughly coursed limestone blocks of irregular shape and size with some very large boulders at the base of the wall. Some of the stones are set on edge giving a cyclopean appearance to the masonry with the interior of the wall being filled with loose rubble and mortar. No architectural features evident due to poor condition of church remains. There are several unmarked stones protruding from the ground surrounding the church which may be grave markers. The church appears to belong to the early medieval period due to its size and wall construction. Church known locally as 'Shanahill' (OHAS file 1974). Testing was undertaken by Miriam Carroll under licence no. 04E1677 of a proposed quarry site adjacent to a church and graveyard (SMR 24:5). Seven trenches were excavated within the limits of the proposed development area to the north and west of the monument. No archaeological finds or features relating to the church site were uncovered in the trenches. Miriam Carroll, Tobar Archaeological Services, 15 Willowfields, Ladysbridge, Castlemartyr, Co. Cork. 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 April 2009