Rathlihen church (in Ruins), Grave Yard — Rathlihen

Site of Ancient Abbey founded by St. Illand in the sixth century (O' Flanagan 1933, vol. 2, 47-8). Located on a slight rise of ground with good extensive views with tower house (OF024-036002-) and motte (OF024-036003-) nearby. Poorly preserved rectangular church (ext. dims. 8.6m N-S; 19m E-W; wall T 0.75m) with a barrel vaulted priests room (ext. dims. 8.15m N-S; 4.4m E-W; wall T 0.8m) added at the W end. Only the wall foundations of the church survive with no architectural features visible. Modern pathway to the S replaced the original enclosure around the church which was discovered during recent renovations to the graveyard. Located in the graveyard wall is a decorated stone with the remains of a single ogee headed niche with hollowed spandrels which originally were a pair possibly the remnants of a decorated aumbry. There is a punch dressed border around this niche. Unfortunately recent local restoration to the church and graveyard has obscured the original remains of the church and possible enclosure. Probable remains of a late medieval church contemporary with the nearby tower house (OF024-036002-). 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 May 2011