Clonamery Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Clonamery Church |
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Cill Chluain Iomaire
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 Clonamery Church
Location in Ireland
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| 52°28′01″N 7°01′54″W / 52.466944°N 7.031667°W | |
| Location | Clonamery, Inistioge, County Kilkenny |
| Country | Ireland |
| Denomination | Church of Ireland |
| Previous denomination | Pre-Reformation Catholic |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | inactive |
| Style | Celtic Christianity |
| Years built | 9th or 10th century |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 23 m (75 ft) |
| Width | 10 m (33 ft) |
| Number of floors | 1 |
| Materials | stone |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Ossory |
Clonamery Church is a very old church located in County Kilkenny, Ireland. It is considered a National Monument, which means it's a special historic site protected by the country. This church has stood for many centuries.
Contents
Where is Clonamery Church?
Clonamery Church is found about 3 kilometers (2 miles) southeast of a town called Inistioge. It sits on the northern bank of the River Nore, a beautiful river in Ireland.
The History of Clonamery Church
When Was Clonamery Church Built?
A long time ago, a saint named Broonahawn started a monastery (a place where monks live) at Clonamery. The church you see today was built even later, around the 9th or 10th century. That's over 1,000 years ago!
Changes Over Time
Later, in the 12th century, a new part called a chancel was added. This part of the church was built in a style called Romanesque, known for its round arches. An extra building, like a small room called a sacristy, was added in the 15th or 16th century. At the same time, a bell-cote was put on the church. This was a small structure to hold bells.
When the Church Stopped Being Used
People believe the church was used until the year 1691. This was around the time of the Battle of Aughrim, an important event in Irish history. After this time, the church was no longer used for regular services.
What to See at Clonamery Church
The Church Building
Clonamery Church is made of rough stones. It has a main area called a nave and the chancel that was added later. The entrance on the west side has a flat top. Above the doorway, you can see a special cross shape called a cross pattée. The bell-cote on the church had space for two bells. One was a small sanctus bell, and the other was a larger bell to call people to prayer.
Ancient Stones and Markings
Inside or near the church, an ancient pillar-stone was discovered. It's made of green slate and has three crosses carved into it. It also has two cup marks, which are small, round hollows. You can also find other old stone slabs with crosses and grave markings. These give us clues about the people who lived here long ago.
