louth saint mochtas house

Legend says that the church was built in a single night to form a suitable resting place for the founder, St. Mochta, who died in 534. The monastery was plundered by the Vikings in 830 and 839, by Muircheartach, King of Aileach in 968 and by Gluniallar (Eagle-Knee) O'Flaherty in 978. the monastery was flattened by a storm in 986, burned in 1075 and again in 1111,1113, 1148, 1160, 1164 and 1166. the church possibly dates to the second half of the 12th century. It is a rectangular building with a vaulted roof, above which is a chamber with a pointed vault which also serves to prevent the stone roof from sagging inwards and collapsing. The upper storey is lit by a small window, and is reached from below by narrow stairs. The church has been much restored over the years. Nearby is Louth 'Abbey' - a 14th or 15th century building.