Aghaviller facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Aghaviller |
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Áth an Bhiolair
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Ruined church and round tower
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| Former names | Aghavirrer |
| General information | |
| Type | Church and round tower |
| Location | County Kilkenny, Ireland |
| Coordinates | 52°27′59″N 7°16′3.25″W / 52.46639°N 7.2675694°W |
| Construction started | 12th century |
| Reference #: | 334 |
Aghaviller (which in Irish, Áth an Bhiolair, means "field of the watercress") is a special place in County Kilkenny, Ireland. It's home to the ruins of an old church and a tall, ancient round tower. This site is so important that it's protected as a national monument.
Aghaviller isn't just the name of the church and tower. It also refers to the larger area around it. This includes the local "townland," which is a small geographical area, and the "civil parish," which is a historical division of land.
You can find Aghaviller south-east of Kilkenny city. It's about six miles south of Thomastown, close to a village called Knocktopher.
What's in a Name?
The name Aghaviller has a cool history! Old Irish records, like the Annals of the Four Masters, called it Achadh-biorair. This means "the field of watercresses." Watercress is a leafy green plant that grows in wet places.
Another old record suggests the name might come from "Agha-oillir," which means "field of the pilgrim." A pilgrim is someone who travels to a holy place.
The Ancient Church and Tower
Just a few steps from the old church, you'll see the lower part of an ancient round tower. These towers are unique to Ireland. They are tall, narrow, circular stone towers, often built near churches. They were likely used as bell towers, places of refuge, or storage.
The Aghaviller tower is made of a type of rock called breccia. People have been writing about this tower for a long time. It was mentioned in a survey from 1802 and by the Kilkenny Archaeological Society in 1855.
This tower is one of only five round towers in County Kilkenny. The others are found at Kilkenny, Tullaherin, Kilree, and Grangefertagh. What makes the Aghaviller tower special is that it has two doors, which is unusual for these towers.
Close by, there's also a "holy well," which is a natural spring believed to have healing powers. You can also find the beautiful grounds of Castlemorres Demesne nearby.
The Aghaviller Area
Aghaviller is more than just a historical site; it's also the name of a wider area. Historically, this area was divided into different parts. For example, in 1851, the "civil parish" of Aghaviller included many smaller places called "townlands." These were like small neighborhoods or farming areas.
The area also has a "Roman Catholic Parish" named Aghaviller. This is a religious division, similar to how a church might have a specific area it serves. Parts of Aghaviller are also connected to the Ballyhale Parish. These parishes help organize local communities and church services.
See also
