Killeshin Church facts for kids
| Glenn Uisin | |
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 Location in Ireland
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| Monastery information | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Killushin, Glenn Ussen, Glenn Uissen, Glenn Uisen |
| Order | Celtic Christianity |
| Established | AD 545 |
| Diocese | Leighlin |
| People | |
| Founder(s) | Saint Diarmait mac Siabairr |
| Important associated figures | Saint Comgán |
| Architecture | |
| Status | Inactive |
| Heritage designation | National Monument |
| Style | Irish monastic, Romanesque |
| Site | |
| Location | Killeshin, County Laois |
| Coordinates | 52°50′51″N 7°00′05″W / 52.84738°N 7.00151°W |
| Visible remains | Part of church (west and east gables; part of north elevation) |
| Public access | yes |
| Official name | Killeshin |
| Reference no. | 115 |
Killeshin Church is a very old church from the 12th century. It was built in the Romanesque style, which was popular a long time ago. This church is also a National Monument, which means it's a special historical place in County Laois, Ireland.
Contents
Where is Killeshin Church?
Killeshin Church is found close to the village of Killeshin. It sits on the south side of the Fushoge River. This river flows into the larger Barrow. The church is about 5 kilometers (3 miles) west of Carlow town. You can also find an old circular fort, called Killeshin moat, nearby.
A Look Back at Killeshin's History
The First Monastery
A monastery was first started here around the year 545 AD. It was founded by a person named Diarmait mac Siabairr. He was part of the local Uí Bairrche ruling family. Monasteries were places where monks lived, prayed, and studied.
Attacks and Changes
Over time, the monastery faced some tough times.
- In 1041, a leader named Diarmait mac Máel na mBó attacked the monastery.
- The dairthech (which was an oak prayer house) was destroyed.
- Many people were taken away, and 700 cattle were stolen.
- This attack was a way of getting back at others who had caused trouble earlier.
The monastery was attacked and burned again in 1077. Even its yew trees were burned.
None of the very first monastery buildings are still standing today. There used to be a tall round tower here. But a landowner took it down in 1704.
The Church Building Today
Special Features of the Church
The church you see now was built in the 12th century, probably between 1150 and 1160. It is made from rough stones with carefully shaped stones at the corners. It is famous for its beautiful Romanesque archway.
- Romanesque Archway: This is a special curved doorway style from the Middle Ages.
- Zoomorphic Carvings: You can see carvings that look like animals. These are called zoomorphic carvings.
- Knotwork: There are also designs made of intertwined patterns, known as knotwork. These designs often show a Scandinavian influence.
Inside, there is a granite font. A font is a basin used for baptisms in a church.
An Old Message
Near the door, there is an old message carved into the stone. It says ORAIT DO DIARMAIT RI LAGEN. This means "a prayer for Diarmait, king of Leinster" in an old Irish language. It is believed to be a prayer for Diarmait Mac Murchada, who was king from 1126 to 1171.
