An exceptional collegiate church

Built in the late 13th century on the site of an earlier monastery. It was served by clerics who lived in the community. 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 church where the congregation sat) and a long chancel (the section of the church where the altar was placed) and has high quality architectural sculpture used throughout.

In the late middle ages the existing tower was modified, and in the 19th century this tower was incorporated into the parish church which was built in place of the chancel and which now takes up about half of the building. There were also several other changes made to the church at various periods.

Highlights
  • High quality architecture
  • Regular tours available
  • 13th century building
Open

Opening Times:

11th May to 30th August
Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00 – 17:30h

Last admission 45 minutes before closing.

Check website for updates before travelling

Prices

Admission:

Free admission

Useful Information

On-site exhibition

Getting There

In the centre of Gowran town. Follow the R448 from Carlow south towards Thomastown

Map Location: 52.628905, -7.064861
Contact St. Mary’s Church

Gowran, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland


Eircode: R95 CV0Y
T: +353 (0)56 772 6894
W: heritageireland.ievisitplaces-to-visitst-marys-church-gowran
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