Our History
Killoo was a medieval church, dedicated to St Lua. From early monastic settlements to the development of diocese and parish structures, Killoo tells the story of the people of this locality and the significance of the church in their lives.
ARCHITECTURE
Remarkably, Killoo Church is approximately 500 years older than Bunratty Castle and precedes the building of the abbeys of Clareabbey, Ennis and Quin. From its beautifully crafted round-headed east window to the thick stone doorway, the church includes some fine examples of the architectural features of the day.
THE GRAVEYARD AND MONUMENTS
A burial ground for at least 1000 years, the Killoo Church graveyard includes marked burials dating from 1752. A key feature within the church is the Stamer monument with crafted stonework – the burial place of the prominent Cromwellian family. There are several other noted monuments including the Lynch vault with the Maltese cross, and well-crafted headstones of the O Brien’s, Lyons, and Moran graves.
Early Christian Sites
LIDAR imaging carried out as part of our conservation project reveals concentric enclosures indicative of an earlier ecclesiastical site from the 5th century. The preserved church would have been preceded by previous structures constructed of wood typically serving a clan community.
CONSERVATION PROJECT
Through the project, our team has committed its energies to conserving and repairing the historic church and its surrounding graveyard – ensuring its preservation for generations to come. The work includes essential repairs, maintenance, ecological protection and accessibility improvements.