Kilfane facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kilfane
Cill Pháin
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Townland
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 Kilfane
Location in Ireland
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| Country | Ireland |
| Province | Leinster |
| County | County Kilkenny |
| barony | Gowran |
| Civil parish | Kilfane (Kilfane) |
| Government | |
| • Type | County Council |
| • Body | Kilkenny County Council |
| Time zone | UTC+0 (WET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-1 (IST / WEST) |
| Irish Grid Reference | 59 45 S 59 45 |
Kilfane (which means Cill Pháin in Irish) is a special place in County Kilkenny, Ireland. It is made up of two smaller areas called townlands: Kilfane East and Kilfane West. Together, these two areas cover about 75 acres (0.3 square kilometers).
Kilfane is located near Thomastown. It is part of a larger area known as the barony of Gowran. Kilfane also gives its name to a bigger civil parish that includes 16 different townlands. It belongs to the Roman Catholic parish of Tullaherin.
Contents
Exploring Kilfane's Rich History
Kilfane is home to many interesting historical sites. These places tell stories about the people who lived here long ago. You can find ancient ruins and beautiful gardens.
Kilfane Church: A Glimpse into the Past
One of the most important sites in Kilfane is the 13th-century Kilfane Church. Today, it is mostly in ruins, but you can still see parts of its original design. Next to the church, there is a stone house called a presbytery. This building has castellated walls, which means it looks like a small castle.
Inside the ruined church, you can find traces of old consecration crosses. These crosses marked where the church was blessed. You can also see special doorways with an ogee shape. Remains of the altar, sedilia (seats for priests), and a book rest are still visible.
The Knight's Effigy: Cantwell Fada
On the north wall inside the church, there is a stone carving of a Norman Knight. This carving is called an effigy. The knight is shown wearing full armour. This effigy is known as Cantwell Fada. It is the tallest knight effigy of its kind in all of Britain or Ireland. It's a very impressive piece of history!
Kilfane House and Gardens
Kilfane House was once the home of the Power family. This family was responsible for creating the beautiful Kilfane Glen and Waterfall. Today, this area is a popular place for visitors. It features a romantic-style garden and a lovely waterfall. It's a great spot to enjoy nature and history.
A Place for Sports: The Handball Alley
Kilfane also has a Gaelic Handball alley. This alley was built in the 1920s inside the Kilfane quarry. It was a place where people could play handball, a traditional Irish sport.
