Killoughternane Church

Killoughterane Church, also known as The White Church, was built on a monastic site founded by St. Fortchern in the 5^th century. The present church is a single cell church with antae, and was built in the 8^th or 9^th century of large, well-finished, granite boulders.

Although only this small church remains, an archaeological survey found the footings of up to 25 buildings, thought to have been part of the early monastic settlement. The walls of the church are 80cm thick, with the entrance in the west gable. In the east gable, there is a round-headed window with a splayed rounded rear arch. The granite font has a central outlet, with the antae opposite it. Nearby is a holy well and within it was found a chalice and paten, presumably hidden by the priest in penal times. An inscription on the chalice indicates that it was made for Fr John Lucar in 1595. Today it is known as the Braganza Chalice.

Visit Historic Environment Viewer for more information on Killoughternane Church

Protect our Past - Click here to read about the importance of protecting our country’s unique heritage sites

This national monument is protected in accordance with the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014