AGHOWLE CHURCH

The early monastery is reputed to have been founded in the early 6th century by St. Finian of Clonard in Co. Westmeath. The church, dating to the 12th century, is the only surviving structural remnant. This is a long rectangular building of which the original north, east and west walls survive largely intact. The section forming the western end of the north wall and that dividing the church are modern additions. The west doorway is flat- headed but has Romanesque moulding on the outside and a round arch inside, and also holes which held the bars to lock the door. Two round- headed windows in the east wall have hood-mouldings on the outside supported by pillars. There are some old gravestones, a water font and a granite cross in the graveyard.

It is situated 8 km west of Shillelagh, 400 m down a country lane.