Kilcloon: Local History and Places of Interest

Kilcloon can be explored through a variety of places: the parish church in the village, the Community Playground and historic sites in the surrounding area. Together, they offer insights into the local community and the area’s long history. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Kilcloon, these different attractions can help you choose the kind of trip that best suits your interests.

Church and Community in Kilcloon

In the village of Kilcloon, the parish church is located at Ballynare Cross Roads. The Church of St. Oliver Plunkett belongs to Kilcloon Parish. Its village location and parish affiliation offer two concrete points of reference for understanding the church’s role in local life.

The Community Playground offers another perspective on Kilcloon. It was officially opened on 18 March 2024 and was the first completed part of the overall Community Centre development. The playground is accessible to people with different abilities, takes people with disabilities into account, and has been designed to be sensory-friendly and autism-friendly. These features make its design a distinctive aspect for families considering community spaces as part of their trip. If you are planning a visit, check the current terms of use in advance.

Building History and Places of Interest Nearby

Different historic building types stand side by side in the area around Kilcloon. Moygaddy Tower House survives as a three-storey tower house and was conserved in 1892. It was associated with the lordship of the Manor of Moyglare. Mulhussey Castle tells of a different building phase: it was developed and extended in the 18th century; today, it stands as an ivy-covered ruin. The comparison reveals two different traces in the present-day landscape—an intact tower house and a ruin whose history was also shaped by later alterations.

St. Brigid’s Well is also nearby, in the townland of Calgath. The surrounding area is called Bridestream, after the stream that flows from the spring. In the Jubilee Year 2000, the spring was restored by the Kilcloon Millennium Committee with the support of the landowner. Its location, name and restoration connect the local landscape with a specific story of preservation.

Rodanstown: Ringfort, Church and Gravestones

Near Kilcloon lies Rodanstown Motte, an ancient rath or ringfort, about 500 metres northeast of the ruins of Rodanstown Church. It is thought to date from between 400 and 1100 AD, though it may go back as far as the Iron Age. Its dating therefore remains open to several possible historical interpretations. Also near Kilcloon, Rodanstown Church was built on the site of the old church of St. Rodan. It was dissolved in 1540 during the Reformation; the townland was then called Balraden.

Most of the gravestones in Rodanstown Cemetery, near Kilcloon, date from the early 12th to the mid-18th century. There are also a few more recent stones from the mid- to late 20th century. The range of gravestones adds evidence from several centuries to the history of the church and ringfort.

Further Cultural History in County Meath

In the wider destination of County Meath, prehistoric sites add a regional perspective to Kilcloon’s history. The Brú na Bóinne World Heritage Site lies in a bend in the River Boyne and includes the passage tombs of Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth, built around 3200 BC. Loughcrew Megalithic Cemetery is a group of Neolithic passage tombs dating from around 3000 BC, spread across four gently rolling ridges. This makes it possible to compare two different landscapes and periods: the bend in the river at Brú na Bóinne and the ridges of Loughcrew.

When choosing a holiday rental in Kilcloon, this distinction can offer useful guidance: consider whether you would prefer to focus your stay on local churches and community spaces, or whether you are particularly interested in the prehistoric cultural sites of County Meath.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Donaghmore, Trim, Kiltale, Pelletstown, Dun Buinne, Ratoath, Balrath, Collinstown.

For the overview of the wider destination: County Meath.