The St. St. Mary’s Collegiate Church is a church in the town of Gowran in County Kilkenny, Ireland. The ruins are magnificent, yet the architecture is virtually intact and well worth a visit!
Located near Ballyshawnmore Castle (the town’s castle), the church is believed to have been built in 1225 as a communal living space for monks and chaplains (earning it the term “Collegiate Church”).
However, the history of the abbey goes back much further than its construction, as an ogham stone is still in place on the site. It dates back to the Celtic period, around the 3rd or 4th century!
St. Mary’s Collegiate Church is a church in the town of Gowran, County Kilkenny, Ireland. It’s a magnificent church in ruins, yet its architecture is virtually intact, and well worth a visit! A visit to the church is possible, and will enable you to discover the building, admire its main pediment, its crenellated square tower and its choir… The architecture is remarkable, and in virtually untouched condition. Not to mention the typically medieval atmosphere!
A must-see for lovers of old stones and Irish monastic sites!