Killaliathan Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Killaliathan Church |
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| Killagholehane Church | |
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Cill Achadh Uí Liatháin
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 Killaliathan Church
Location in Ireland
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| 52°19′55″N 8°58′38″W / 52.331812°N 8.977135°W | |
| Location | Lacka Lower, Broadford, County Limerick |
| Country | Ireland |
| Denomination | Church of Ireland |
| Previous denomination | Catholic (pre-Reformation) |
| History | |
| Dedication | Our Lady of the Snows |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | inactive |
| Years built | 15th century AD |
| Closed | 1812 |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 14 m (46 ft) |
| Width | 9 m (30 ft) |
| Number of floors | 1 |
| Floor area | 125 m2 (1,350 sq ft) |
| Materials | limestone, mortar |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Limerick and Killaloe |
Killaliathan Church, also known as Killagholehane Church, is a very old church building in County Limerick, Ireland. It is so important that it is protected as a National Monument.
Contents
Where is Killaliathan Church?
This historic church is found about 1.6 kilometers (about 1 mile) south of a village called Broadford in County Limerick.
The Church's Long History
How the Church Began
The story of Killaliathan Church started around the year 1200. An earlier Christian church was built here. Legend says it was built after a strange summer snowfall. Snow covered everything except for one field. Because of this, the church was dedicated to "Our Lady of the Snows."
Naming the Church
The land for the church was given by local rulers called the Uí Liatháin. So, the church was named Cill Achadh Uí Liatháin. This means "church of Uí Liatháin's field." This is where the name Killaliathan comes from.
A New Beginning
Sadly, the first church was destroyed during a war in 1302. But a new church was built in its place. This new building was called Killagholehane. This name means "Deacon Liathán's church."
When the Church Closed
Killaliathan Church was used for many years. However, in 1812, a new Church of Ireland church was built in Broadford village. Because of this, Killaliathan Church was no longer used for services. Even though the church building is no longer active, the graveyard around it is still used today.
What's Left of the Church?
The church building is mostly made of limestone and mortar. It measures about 14 meters (46 feet) long and 9 meters (30 feet) wide.
Special Features to See
- The east window is unusual because it has three sections, called "lights."
- You can still see the old baptismal font. This is a special basin used for baptisms.
- Part of the sacristy also remains. This was a room where priests prepared for services.
- There is a 15th-century tomb inside the church. Some people believe this tomb might belong to a famous family of poets and storytellers called the Ó Dálaigh.
- Long ago, there was also a gallery above the main doorway.
