Burial ground in Friars Island

Originally located on Friar's Island on the River Shannon until its removal and re-erection in the grounds of Killaloe RC church in 1929. The church (TN025-022001) was moved due to flooding of the River Shannon by the ESB for the Ardnacrusha power station. Present remains of the church (in Killaloe) consist of a nave and chancel church, the nave of which is the earlier building with the chancel being added later (Leask 1930, 130-35), as revealed when the church was being moved to its present location. Excavations at Friar's Island prior to the removal of the church revealed that the church was constructed on a stone platform enclosed by a possible cashel with a revetment wall of unknown purpose. A second stone platform ( 22ft (6.71m) N-S; 50ft (15.25m) E-W) was located to the S of the church and eleven skeletons were uncovered under or close to the foundations of the N wall of the church (Macalister 1929, 16-24). The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Tipperary. Vol. 1 - North Tipperary' compiled by Jean Farrelly and Caimin O'Brien (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2002). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 22 September 2008