monaincha church

It was probably founded by St. Cainneach of Aghaboe, Co. Laois (q.v.) in the 6th century, though it is also associated with St. Cronan of Roscrea . the deaths of abbots are recorded for the years 807, 1120, 1138 and 1143, and the monastery seems to have experienced a revival in the 12th century.

Giraldus Cambrensis, the historian of the Norman invasion, describes the place as an island where no woman or animal of the female sex could enter without dying immediately. the monastery became Augustinian at the end of the 12th century. In 1568 it was granted to Sir William Carroll and in 1586 passed to Sir Lucas Dillon. The nave-and-chancel church has a finely decorated 12th century west doorway and chancel arch constructed in a warm sandstone.

In the first half of the 13th century new east windows were inserted, as were also two large windows in the south wall of the nave with attractive capitals surrounding them. The window above the doorway is 12th century, but with 15th century insertions.