Location – Located just south-east of the small village of Parkavilla, not far from the R430.
OS: S 39406 89956
Longitude: -7.4142715
Latitude: 52.959195
Description and History – There is not much left of this church, and it is certainly in need of some care and attention. It is connected, along with Clonenagh, to St. Fintan who founded and lived at the site prior to relocating to Clonenagh. The present structure is a medieval, undivided church constructed of limestone, set within a raised and enclosed graveyard. A twelfth century doorway can still be found on the west wall, made of limestone, but the west end was remodelled with the construction of a later two storey residential tower. The structure is severely overgrown, and in danger of collapse in places, particularly the residential tower. The graveyard contains mostly post-medieval gravestones. Nearby is a holy well dedicated to St. Fintan approximately 180m to the south.
Considering the association with St. Fintan and Clonenagh, it would be great to see something done in terms of conservation here.
Date of visit: 14th October, 2010.
Difficulty – Quite out of the way, and there are some steps leading into the graveyard.
For more ecclesiastical sites, click here.
For more sites in Co. Laois, click here.
