What is recorded here

Leixlip church in County Kildare holds three carved stone heads, including a small crowned figure in the chancel wall and two staring faces high on the tower. The bulging eyes, moustaches and upturned mouths suggest a craftsman playing with fear rather than worship. People may have climbed the stairs to meet those ridiculous gods, forcing heaven and jest into the same stone.

Leixlip church (KD011-004003-) contains three carved stone heads: KD011-004012- is located in the S wall of the chancel and is a small, worn head with a fleur-de-lys crown, in the 13th century style (Bradley et al. 1986 vol. 3, 314). KD011-004013- is located high on the W-end of the stair-turret's N wall and is carved showing bulging eyes and a moustache (Bradley et al. 1986 vol. 3, 316). KD011-004014- is located at the E-end of the tower's N wall and is carved showing a fringe of hair across the forehead, bulging almond-shaped eyes, an elongated nose and an upturned slit for the mouth (Bradley et al. 1986 vol. 3, 316). Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy Date of upload: 10 June 2011

13th century; the stone head may have been part of a funerary or memorial monument, possibly associated with a noble or ecclesiastical figure, given the presence of the fleur-de-lys crown.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.