old saint marys church site of celtic monastery

The present nave and chancel are of nineteenth century date but incorporates many medieval fragments. The church stands on the site of an ancient celtic monastery which, at one stage, housed the shrine of Saint Patrick. In 1315 Edward Bruce, who had been crowned High King of Ireland, herded all the townspeople of Ardee into the church before burning it to the ground. Other medieval fragments in the church grounds, include a medieval market cross and a medieval font.