Collegiate Church of St Marys

This is one of the oldest Christian sites in Ireland and thought to have been a monastic settlement of Saint Declan of Ardmore (c 450). Although, the current church is a mix of later periods.

It was rebuilt in Irish Romanesque style (c750) and the Great Nave was erected in the year 1220. The roof timbers have been carbon dated to the year 1170. There was an early 13th century re-building and this was under the direction and hand of the Masters of four local guilds of operative masons, whose marks are still to be found on the pillars of the gothic arches.