2024:468 - ‘The Abbey’, Killeigh, Offaly

On behalf of the Matthews family, archaeological monitoring of conservation work was carried out at the site of Killeigh Abbey, Killeigh, Co. Offaly (OF025-017001-). Monitoring was undertaken intermittently between July and November 2024. The project, undertaken with the assistance of the Community Monuments Fund (CMF), comprised conservation work to the vaulted Chapter House at Killeigh Abbey. Works in 2024 follow previous conservation works at the site in 2023.

The ecclesiastical site of Killeigh is a multi-period site which developed over a long period and includes: a sixth-century monastic foundation (OF025-017—-); Augustinian priory (OF025-017003-) and nunnery (OF025-017002-) (the latter on the site of a possible early Christian nunnery); 13th-century Franciscan friary (OF025-017001-) (now serving as the parish Church of Ireland) with attached graveyard (OF025-017004-); two unlocated chapels; watermill sites (OF025-017013-) and a castle (OF025-017005-). Today Killeigh Abbey is a recorded monument, RMP OF025-017001- (Abbey) and OF025-017002-  (graveyard) and is subject to the provisions of Section 14 of the National Monuments Acts 1930-2004. The abbey outbuildings, including the vaulted Chapter House, are in the ownership of the Matthews family. A section of the abbey church is still also used by the Church of Ireland.

The conservation works at Killeigh in 2024 included removal of vegetation, repair of voids and repointing, pinning of unsupported masonry, repairs to an internal ‘blind recess’ and removal of a modern oil tank and surrounds. A sedum finish was also applied to the top of the barrel vault of the Chapter House. Archaeological monitoring of all these works, including inspection of raked-out mortars, was undertaken in strict accordance with the submitted archaeological Method Statement. Conservation works were completed in November 2024. The works further highlighted the archaeological, historical and architectural heritage significance of the site.