St. Mary's Church, Gowran

St. Mary's Church, Gowran Welcome to the official page for St. Mary's Church, Gowran an OPW managed site. They lived in a house, now destroyed, beside the church.

This collegiate church, was built in the late 13th century on the site of an earlier monastery. It was served by a "college" - clerics who lived in a community but who did not submit to the rule of a monastery. The church was a large and elaborate structure, with an aisled nave (the main part of the church where the congregation sat) and a long chancel (the section of the church where the altar wa

s placed) and has high quality architectural sculpture used throughout. In the late middle ages the existing tower was modified, and in the 19th century this tower was incorporated into the parish church which was built in place of the chancel and which now takes up about half of the building. There were also several other changes made to the church at various periods. Location: In the centre of Gowran town. Follow the R448 from Carlow south towards Thomastown

Bus Route(s): Contact Bus Eireann, Travel Centre +353 1 8366111

Guided Tours: Regular tours available

Leaflet/Guide book: English

Seasonal Events: Please check in advance using contact details listed above

Photography / Video allowed: Yes, but permit required for commercial purposes

Additional Information: Restricted access for visitors with disabilities

Join us for a fantastic Family Community Day at St Mary's Church, Gowran on Friday 7th August. Step back in time and get...
17/07/2026

Join us for a fantastic Family Community Day at St Mary's Church, Gowran on Friday 7th August. Step back in time and get hands-on with history at this exciting day of workshops and activities for all ages in the beautiful surroundings of St Mary's Church.

Highlights include:

Stained Glass Suncatcher Workshop (ages 12+): Create your own beautiful suncatcher using copper foiling and soldering techniques with expert guidance from Pauline Quigley of PQ Glass Design. Two sessions: 11am–1pm and 2pm–4pm. All materials provided!
Booking info: https://heritageireland.ie/whats-on/stained-glass-suncatcher-workshop/

Medieval Pouch Making: Kids aged 6–12 can craft their own draw-string pouch while learning about the fascinating (and sometimes gory!) process of leatherworking. Sessions run throughout the day.
Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1992959765307?aff=oddtdtcreator

Viking Coin Striking: Strike your own coin in a lively demonstration of how Ireland’s first coins were minted, exploring medieval trade and commerce. Great fun for ages 6–12!
Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1992961053159?aff=oddtdtcreator

The Big Dig & Bread Making: Excavate a replica Viking house and hunt for ancient artefacts, then grind grains and bake your own flatbreads over an open fire. Drop-in bread-making runs all day alongside the archaeology
Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1992960752259?aff=oddtdtcreator

A perfect day out for families, history lovers, and craft enthusiasts! Spaces are limited for many activities, so booking in advance via Eventbrite is strongly recommended. Parents must supervise children at all times.
Come along, make something to take home, and enjoy a memorable day celebrating heritage, creativity, and community!

Address

Gowran
KILKENNY

Telephone

+353567726894

Website

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