Killerig: Monastic history and archaeological traces

In Killerig, the history of a monastic settlement and evidence of church sites sit alongside the remains of Killerrig Castle. The historical traces range from the surviving part of a monastic settlement to archaeological finds in the surrounding area. This profile is rounded out by The Waterworks, a leisure centre in Killerig.

Monastery and medieval history

Part of a monastic settlement survives in Killerig. The monastery was founded by armed monks who arrived with the Anglo-Normans. It remained in existence until it was closed by Henry VIII around 1530.

The ruins of a preceptory of the Knights Hospitaller lie west of the churchyard. The Norman knight Gilbert de Borard founded it in 1210. The preceptory is therefore another historical landmark in Killerig, alongside the monastic history.

Churches and crosses

A Latin cross stands on the site of a Celtic church in Killerig. There is also a 20-inch-high Latin cross in the cemetery by Killerig church. Check the condition of the cemetery cross and access to the cemetery when you arrive.

About a quarter of a mile north of the Killerig crossroads, the ruins of a 13th- or 14th-century church lie in an old churchyard. The location and date provide another point of reference for the area's church history, while the preceptory west of the churchyard marks a separate historical site.

Killerrig Castle and its remains

Killerrig Castle is shown on the Down Survey map of 1655–1656. By the time of the Ordnance Survey in 1837, the structure had already disappeared. Only scant remains of the once-fortified structure survive.

The only visible evidence is a foundation stretch at least four metres long, made of fieldstones and exposed in a field drain at the southeast corner of the site. The site contains an approximately square, tree-planted area with sides of about 30 metres. As its visible condition may change, check it on site before visiting.

Archaeological finds in the surrounding area

About 150 metres south of Killerrig Castle, surveys uncovered a ditch 5.3 metres wide. It encloses a rectangular area and has been interpreted as the remains of a fortified structure. This tentative interpretation relates to the find and should not be equated with the visible remains of the castle.

Excavations at Baunogephlure uncovered the remains of a ring ditch and a ringfort with three defensive ramparts. Together with the ditch south of Killerrig Castle, these finds show different types of fortified structures in the surrounding area; they add archaeological traces to the area's history without being described as visitor attractions today.

The Waterworks in Killerig

The Waterworks is a leisure centre in Killerig, between the towns of Carlow and Tullow. Facilities include a gym, a whirlpool, a sauna, a steam room and a cold plunge pool. As facilities may change, it is advisable to check the centre's current information before visiting.

Other historical destinations in County Carlow

The wider destination of County Carlow has other historical landmarks. Brownshill Dolmen is considered a significant example of early Neolithic architecture; it is estimated to be about 4,900 to 5,500 years old. Its granite capstone is thought to weigh more than 100 tonnes and is considered the largest of its kind in Europe. The ecclesiastical ruins of St Mullins in County Carlow include five churches and the remains of a round tower.

The comparison highlights the different historical focus: in Killerig, the monastery, churches and traces of Killerrig Castle shape the area's character, while County Carlow also features an early Neolithic monument and an ensemble of ecclesiastical ruins.

Discover more destinations: Ballon, Leighlinbridge, Muine Bheag, Carlow, Rathvilly, Tullow, Hacketstown, Bunclody

For the wider travel overview: County Carlow.