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HomeDestinationsKilkennyGowranSt Mary's Church Gowran
St Mary's Church Gowran
Gowran, Co. Kilkenny
Hidden gem
Free to visit
Rainy days
Family friendly
St Mary’s Church in Gowran, County Kilkenny, was constructed in the late 13th century on the site of an earlier monastery, and part of the stone structure remains in use as a Protestant church. Among the remains there are many noteworthy sculptures.

This collegiate church, was built in the late 13th century on the site of an earlier monastery. It was served by a college - clerics who lived in a community but who did not submit to the rule of a monastery.

They lived in a house, now destroyed, beside the church. The church was a large and elaborate structure, with an aisled nave (the main part of the the church where the congregation sat) and a long chancel (the section of church where the altar was placed) and has high quality architectural sculptureused throughout. In the late middle ages a massive tower was inserted between the nave and chancel, and in the 19th century this tower was incorporated into the parish church which was built in place of the chancel.

Tips from locals

Grab a take-away lunch from Glasraí & Goodies across the street. It’s a great little foodie store promoting local produce.

Contact details
Gowran, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland
Visit duration

We recommend planning to spend 1 hour here.

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