Founder(s) Cantwell family Province Leinster | Functional status inactive | |
Previous denomination Pre-Reformation Catholic Similar Kells Priory, St Mary's Collegiate Church G, Jerpoint Abbey, Kilfane Glen and Waterfall, Duiske Abbey | ||
Kilfane Church is a medieval church and National Monument in County Kilkenny, Ireland.
Contents
Map of Kilfane Church, Kilfane Demesne, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland
Location
Kilfane Church is located 3.4 km (2.1 mi) north-northeast of Thomastown.
History
The area is supposed to derive its name from a Saint Phian.
The church was built in the 13th century. The Cantwells were Lords of Kilfane and adjoining areas from shortly after the Norman conquest to the confiscations following the Confederation.
Poet Deirdre Brennan wrote a poem about Kilfane Church in 2001.
Church
Kilfane Church is a long rectangle with sedilia, altar, book rest and piscina. The sedilia is believed to come from an older church and still has some medieval paint. Three original doorways in the north and south walls are headed by ogee stones.
The castellated bell tower at the east end may have housed the presbytery/sacristy and provided residents in the upper storeys.
The main feature is the Cantwell Fada, an effigy of a knight built in the 1320s/30s.