ferns augustinian abbey

The Augustinian Abbey was founded by Dermot macMurrough, probably on or near the site of the primitive oratory of St Mogue. The abbey was burned down in 1154, but MacMurrough rebuilt it in 1160 and died there in 1171. The remains consist of a tower built in tow stages ( the lower stage square and the upper stage round), the north wall of the church and the priests residential apartments. The only remains of the Cathedral are the ruined chancel and some fragments of the piers of a nave arcade, which are built into the walls of the modern building now used as a parish church and cathedral. On each side of the chancel is an arcade of five lancet windows. The interior has interesting sculptures. In the graveyard is part of the decorated shaft of a cross that is said to mark the grave of Dermot MacMurrough.