St Mary’s Collegiate Church
Tourist site

St Mary’s Collegiate Church

Churches
La St. Mary's Collegiate Church - Keith Ewing - cc

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!

Visit the St. St. Mary’s Collegiate Church

A “collegiate” church where monks and chaplains lived

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!


Practical Guide

St Mary’s Collegiate Church

Essential information to help you plan your visit, including key landmarks, access information, and booking options.

Address

Main Street - Gowran, Gowran (County Kilkenny) - Republic of Ireland

GPS coordinates

52.628918, -7.064980

Visit duration

1 heure

Opening hours

  • every day

Check the opening hours and admission requirements before you leave, especially during peak season or on Irish public holidays.
Location

St Mary’s Collegiate Church on the map

Free Ireland travel guide
Free guide

Planning a trip to Ireland?

Receive our free travel guide and discover the very best places, itineraries and practical tips to prepare your stay.

Culture, history, must-see attractions and local advice delivered directly to your inbox.