The ruins at Kilmannon in County Wexford are of a late medieval fortified church named after a 5th century female saint named St Moninne, who is believed to be buried at Killeavy in Armagh. All that now remains of this church are the tower, though the outline of where the roof of the church attached to it is still visible. According to a visitation by Thomas Ram, the Protestant bishop of Ferns in 1615 Jacob Prendergast was the rector and the church and chancel were in repair. It must have fallen into ruin before 1800 as Lewis’ Topographical Dictionary of Ireland (1837) states, “The tower, or belfry, of the old church is still standing, and from its large size is called the castle of Kilmannon”. There are some vague references to the church in the Dúchas Schools collection including this entry by Martin Fortune, as told to him by Mrs B. Fortune, “There is a tradition that a crock of gold was found near the old church of Kilmannon. A girl dreamed of it three nights in succession. Taking spades two men went to dig for the treasure one night in the place pointed out to the girl in her dream. They had been digging for some time when their spades struck the treasure. All of a sudden there was a great noise and chains were heard rattling. The men ran away in fear and the next morning the crock was discovered by a neighbouring farmer. This man is believed to be responsible for the trick played on the adventurers. “

The graveyard is dotted with a wide range of markers, headstones and some rather large tombs. Kilmannon is certainly worth a visit and if anyone has any further information for me please comment below.

GPS: 52.2812, -6.57733