Kilbennen facts for kids
| Cill Bheanáin | |
 |
|
 Location in Ireland
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| Monastery information | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Kilbannon; Kilbennan; Cell-beneoin; Dun Lughaid |
| Order | Franciscans (15th century) |
| Established | late 5th century AD |
| Disestablished | 15th/16th century |
| Diocese | Tuam |
| People | |
| Founder(s) | Benignus of Armagh |
| Architecture | |
| Status | ruined |
| Style | Celtic |
| Site | |
| Location | Pollacorragune, Tuam, County Galway |
| Coordinates | 53°32′20″N 8°53′32″W / 53.538801°N 8.892219°W |
| Visible remains | Church and round tower |
| Public access | yes |
| Official name | Kilbennen Church & Round Tower |
| Reference no. | 48 |
Kilbennen, also known as Kilbannon, is an ancient church site and a special National Monument in County Galway, Ireland. It's a place with a long history, dating back to medieval times.
Contents
Where is Kilbennen?
Kilbennen is found about 3.7 km (2.3 mi) northwest of Tuam. It is located right across the River Clare.
The Story of Kilbennen
Early Beginnings
Kilbennen started as a monastery in the late 400s AD. It was founded by Benignus of Armagh. He was a student of Saint Patrick, a very important figure in Irish history.
Later, in the 500s, another important person came here. Iarlaithe mac Loga, also known as Saint Jarlath, studied at Kilbennen.
Important Events
Old records called the Annals of the Four Masters tell us about some events. In 1114, they recorded that Kilbennen was sadly burned down.
In 1148, the records mention the death of Ceallach Ua Domhnagain. He was called the "noble head of Cill-Beneoin," which was another name for Kilbennen.
Around 1428, the Franciscans built a new church at the site. This shows that the place remained important over many centuries.
Some work was done in 1880–81 to help preserve the ruins.
What You Can See Today
The Round Tower
One of the most striking features is the limestone round tower. It is quite damaged now, but it still stands tall. At its highest point, it reaches about 16.5 m (54 ft) (about 54 feet). The tower is about 4.8 m (16 ft) (about 16 feet) wide.
Look closely, and you'll see a doorway made of sandstone. This doorway is quite high up, about 4.56 m (15.0 ft) (about 15 feet) off the ground.
The Church Ruins
The church itself is mostly in ruins, but both of its end walls, called gables, are still standing. The east gable once had a special window. It was a twin-light window, meaning it had two openings. It also had a unique shape called an ogee-head, which looks like a pointed arch with curves. This window is now blocked up.
The Holy Well
To the northwest of the church, there is a holy well. It is said that Bennin, the founder, healed nine people with leprosy at this well.
