churches historical around loughrea gort

It is believed that when the French family came to Doorus in the 17th century they brought with them several Franciscans from Galway who were lodged in a renovated portion of this very old church. At the east end stands the impressive tomb of the French and de Basterot families....

Completed in 1819, this almost Spanish-looking church was built on land donated by James de Basterot of Duras....

Only one wall and a ruined west gable are left of this possibly medieval church. Next to this ruin is a very old graveyard, possibly medieval or later, which has also been used in more recent times as a children's burial ground.

What looks like a mere jumble of stones begins to take on a pattern the more carefully it is examined....

Dominated by St. Kierons statue, an enclosure is made by the positioning of several large stones, possibly the remnants of a vanished megalithic tomb. The shrine was the site of an all night vigil on the last Sunday in July, culminating with a Feis at Tracht....

Not the usual - Mass rock - this altar has been venerated in the area for a very long time. Originally a flagged path led to it.
According to local tradition and folklore studies, there was long ago a - college - near the site and the students most likely monks, were killed during Cromwellian times, and their heads thrown into a nearby chasm....

This national monument is situated 5km from Ardrahan along the Kilcolgan road.
On the site are the ruins of an early church, which is a fine example of simple 8th century structure, with its chancel of a later date. It is surrounded by a large circular enclosure....

Situated 5km along the Gort-Corofin road is the important monastery and episcopal site of Kilmacduagh. This monastery was founded by Saint Colman Mac Duagh about 600 A.D. and a separate diocese based upon it was created in the 12th century.

The most conspicuous feature of the well-preserved round tower 33m high, with a narrow door 7m from the ground is the lean, almost 50cm from the perpendicular, which it shares with a more famous counterpart at Pisa. The extensive remains include a cat...