Timahoe Abbey

An Abbey was established here by the O'Mores. The lands were granted to Sir Thomas Loftus after the suppression and to Richard Cosby in 1609. The Abbey was fortified by the Cosbys in the late sixteenth century (JRSAI,Vol. LIV, 34; O'Hanlon and O'Leary 1907, 243) and they may have built a castle there during the reign of Queen Elizabeth (O'Hanlon and O'Leary 1907, vol. 1, 243). The fifteenth century church, to SE of tower, was transformed in the sixteenth century into a tower house (LA018-031006-) (Harbison 1970, 141), probably by one of the Cosbys. The only surviving feature of this church is a large arch (Wth 3.95m), possibly the chancel arch, which was blocked up and incorporated into the E wall of the castle. It is composed of punch-dressed chamfered limestone with evidence of diagonal tooling (Petrie 1845, 234-43; Crawford 1924, 31-42). Reference to a sheela-na-gig (LA018-031007-) at the doorway (Guest 1936, 114), not now visible. Remains consist of E wall (L c. 12.45m) and short returns of N and S walls. The E wall incorporates the blocked-up chancel arch. Large beam holes visible on the inner face of the E wall at first-floor level and also a doorway leading to a chamber in SE angle. Evidence of slit opes in remains of N and s walls, now much destroyed and otherwise featureless. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 17 December 2007

Timahoe Abbey was originally established by the O'Mores in the 12th century and later fortified by the Cosby family in the late 16th century. It is remembered for its historical significance as a Cistercian monastery and its role in the religious and political changes of medieval and early modern Ireland.