Tullaherin Monastic Site

Experts suggest that Tullaherin was part of an amalgamation of churches connected with St Ciarán of Seir at the establishment of the diocese of Ossory. This would aid the theory that the tower was built by the King of Ossory, Cearbhall Mac Dunghal, in the mid-9^th In 1026 Telach nlnmainne was raided and in 1121 the round tower here was struck by lightning, this Telach nlnmainne is believed to be Tullaherin. In 1539 the Act for the Dissolution of Greater Monasteries saw the compulsory closure and abandonment of monasteries. These Acts were used by Henry VIII to weaken Rome and seize their vast wealth for Henry’s own.

In 1591, Robert Gaffney, rector of Tullaherin, left 20 shillings in his will towards the repair of the vicar’s part of the church. In the Royal Visitation of 1615 it is recorded that both church and chancel were in good order. A hundred years later, visitations in 1715 and 1731 record the chancel in use but the nave in ruin.

To the south-west of the medieval church stands Tullaherin round tower at 22.5m. Built in the 9^th century from blocks of sandstone, and most likely repaired after the 1121 lightning strike. The entrance door is 3.7m above ground, and each floor has one window rising clockwise through the 6 storeyed tower. The cardinal windows were a modification made to the tower, possibly after the first lightning strike. It is devoid of its conical capstone. Another lightning strike in 1976 caused internal and external structural damage. Conservation work was carried out in 2003.

Visit Historic Environment Viewer for more information on Tullaherin Monastic Site

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