St. Mary's Collegiate Church Gowran

The rectangular stone church features a central tower with crenellations and contains numerous medieval stone carvings along its walls and passageways.

Construction of the church began in 1225, serving as a collegiate institution where priests lived together in community without following monastic regulations.

The church walls display stone carvings by the Gowran Master, whose medieval artistry received recognition in works by Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney.

The church remains closed throughout 2024, but typically offers guided tours from Wednesday to Sunday during summer months between May and August.

The church houses an ancient Ogham stone from the 3rd century, which bears Celtic inscriptions and later Christian symbols added to its surface.

Location: County Kilkenny

GPS coordinates: 52.62886,-7.06501

Latest update: March 6, 2025 06:46