Kilree Church, Round Tower and Cross

The early Christian site at Kilree is believed to have been founded by St Rhuidche (Ree) in the 6^th century. The ruins of the present church incorporated the nave of the original church in the 10^th century, and the chancel was added in the 12^th century. The medieval period saw further expansion.

The original part of the church with antae is built of limestone and entered via a plain doorway. A piscine can be found to the east of the south wall. The chancel was keyed into the existing antae. Within the chancel are 2 grave-slabs and a chest tomb inscribed and translated as follows ’Here lie Mr. Richard Comerford, formerly of Danganmore, who died [left blank] and Johanna St. Leger, his wife, a matron pious, hospitable, and charitable to all, who died Oct 4th, 1622’. The front of the tomb is richly decorated with symbols of the Passion, stylised fluted pillars, a crown of thorns, a sword and chalice, amongst other finely carved incisions. Only one of the grave slabs appear inscribed and is translated as ‘Here lies Thomas Howling, lord of Kilri, the 11th day of the month of May, A.D. 1534’.

Kilree round tower, built of limestone and standing at 29.3m, sits on a purposely built square plinth. The entrance door, 2m above ground, has plain sandstone surrounds. Rising up to 6 storeys the conical cap stone is missing but the 4 cardinal windows are present. The battlement addition is from the late medieval period.

Kilree High Cross is a sandstone ringed cross, 2.15m tall but no capstone. Depictions of the Adoration of the Magi, Daniel in the lion’s den, St John the Baptist embracing Christ, Jacob and the Angel and a hunting scene, along with spiral coils, roll mouldings, fret spirals, and interlace are found on the cross.

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