Killerig: Monastic History and Ancient Traces

In Killerig, traces of a monastic settlement meet the remains of a once-fortified site. A Latin cross commemorates a Celtic church, while archaeological finds offer insights into other early fortifications. Alongside these historical sites, The Waterworks offers a very different attraction: the leisure centre is located in Killerig, between the towns of Carlow and Tullow.

Monastery, Church Ruins and a Latin Cross

Armed monks who arrived with the Anglo-Normans founded a monastery in Killerig. It remained until its closure by Henry VIII around 1530; part of the monastic settlement survives. A Latin cross stands on the site of a Celtic church. Together with the church ruins, it evokes different phases in the area’s religious history, although not all the traces relate to the same building.

About a quarter of a mile north of the Killerig crossroads, the ruins of a 13th- or 14th-century church lie in an old churchyard. To the west of the churchyard are the ruins of a preceptory of the Knights Hospitaller. The Norman knight Gilbert de Borard founded it in 1210. The monastic history, later church and preceptory offer different ways to explore the area’s religious past.

Killerrig Castle and Archaeological Traces

Only slight remains survive of the once-fortified site of Killerrig Castle. The castle is marked on the Down Survey map of 1655–1656; by the time of the Ordnance Survey in 1837, the site had already disappeared. One visible trace is a foundation line, at least four metres long, made of fieldstones and exposed in a field drain at the southeastern corner of the site. There is also an approximately square, tree-planted area at the location, measuring about 30 metres on each side.

The archaeological findings in the surrounding area also vary in form and interpretation. About 150 metres south of Killerrig Castle, a 5.3-metre-wide ditch enclosing a rectangular area was discovered and interpreted as the remains of a fortified site. Excavations at Baunogephlure uncovered the remains of a ring ditch and a ringfort with three defensive banks. If you are planning a specific visit, check local visiting conditions in advance.

Leisure and a Regional Perspective

The Waterworks is a leisure centre in Killerig, between Carlow and Tullow. Facilities include a gym, hot tub, sauna, steam room and cold-water pool. The area’s history is therefore complemented by places for exercise and relaxation—two different interests that may factor into your plans for a stay.

For a broader historical perspective, explore County Carlow. Brownshill Dolmen is considered an important example of early Neolithic construction and is thought to be between 4,900 and 5,500 years old. Its granite capstone is believed to weigh more than 100 tonnes and is considered the largest of its kind in Europe. At St Mullins, the ecclesiastical ruins include five churches and the remains of a round tower.

Longer routes are also part of what the region offers: the 113-kilometre Barrow Way runs from County Kildare to the monastic village of St Mullins in the south of County Carlow, following the towpath of the River Barrow. The Columban Way leads from the early Christian site of St Mullins along the Barrow Way. These examples from County Carlow complement Killerig’s local monastic and castle traces with other historical sites and a route perspective, without presenting them as a single destination.

Plan the Right Stay

When looking for a holiday rental, first consider whether you want to focus on Killerig’s monastic, church and castle history or include other destinations in County Carlow. Choose your base according to the specific places that interest you, and check transport links and visiting conditions as you plan your trip.

Discover more destinations: Bunclody, Leighlinbridge, Hacketstown, Tullow, Muine Bheag, Borris, Rathvilly and Carlow.

For the broader travel guide: County Carlow.