St. Mary's Church, Gowran

Home
Ireland
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

18/11/2025

Regrettably, this evening's talk on St. Mary's Church's Stained Glass Window has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and we will reschedule this event at a later date. Thank you for your understanding.
Heritage Ireland OPW - Office of Public Works Visit Kilkenny Kilkenny Archaeological Society Historic Kilkenny

17/11/2025

Tomorrow, Seán Carroll will deliver a talk at 8:00pm in St. Mary's Church, Gowran. The talk will be on the stunning stained glass windows in St. Mary's and the studio that made them, An Túr Gloine. This talk is free of charge, with no booking required.

Heritage Ireland OPW - Office of Public Works Visit Kilkenny The Heritage Council

08/11/2025

Don't forget Seán Carroll will be delivering a talk on Tuesday 18th November at 8:00pm for on the stunning stained glass windows of St. Mary's and the studio that made them, an Túr Gloine.
This talk is free of charge with no booking required, for further information email [email protected]

Heritage Ireland OPW - Office of Public Works Visit Kilkenny The Heritage Council

02/11/2025

Join our guide Seán Carroll on Tuesday 18th November at 8:00pm for an insightful talk on the stunning stained glass windows of St. Mary's and the studio that made them, an Túr Gloine.
This talk is free of charge with no booking required, for further information email [email protected]

Heritage Ireland OPW - Office of Public Works Visit Kilkenny The Heritage Council

07/10/2025

https://heritageireland.ie/recruitment/vacancies/

Would you like to work in one of Ireland’s prestigious heritage sites? The Office of Public Works is currently seeking enthusiastic people to join our

07/09/2025

05/09/2025

Don’t forget tomorrow we have The Big Dig from the School of Archaeology in St. Mary’s Church tomorrow!!!!

Join us at St. Mary's Church, Gowran, Co. Kilkenny on the 6th September for our Big Dig Workshop!

30/08/2025

Unearth History at The Big Dig & Pouch Making Workshop!
St. Mary's Church, Gowran, Co. Kilkenny
Saturday, Sept 6, 2025 | 11 AM–4 PM
For kids 6–12 (with an adult)
Join us for a thrilling day with The School of Irish Archaeology!
Limited spots—book now!

The Big Dig: Kids become archaeologists, digging up 1,000-year-old Viking treasures!
Book: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-big-dig-event-st-marys-church-co-kilkenny-6th-september-tickets-1553233506229?aff=oddtdtcreator
Pouch Making Workshop: Craft a medieval pouch & learn the gory art of leatherworking!
Book: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/pouch-making-workshop-st-marys-church-co-kilkenny-6th-september-tickets-1553235803099
Supported by the OPW. Don’t miss this hands-on adventure!
Heritage Ireland OPW - Office of Public Works Visit Kilkenny
Kilkenny County Council Kilkenny County Council Library Service The School of Irish Archaeology

24/08/2025

One of the last chances to visit St. Mary's Church in Gowran, we will be open to visitors this Thursday. Come explore this stunning medieval gem, with its intricate carvings and rich heritage. Open from 10am to 1pm – don't miss out! Heritage Ireland OPW - Office of Public Works Visit Kilkenny

20/08/2025

Just a friendly reminder: on Saturday, the 23rd of August, we have an exciting opportunity to delve into the fascinating history of the Butler family through a guided tour! You'll get to explore the foundations of this family and uncover some intriguing stories.

No need to book in advance,

Heritage Ireland OPW - Office of Public Works Heritage Week Heritage Week

17/08/2025

Join us for a guided tour of the wonderful St. Mary's Collegiate church this Heritage Week exploring the foundations of the Bulter family. Heritage Ireland OPW - Office of Public Works

12/08/2025

Don’t miss your chance to see inside St. Mary’s Church in Gowran, a hidden gem in County Kilkenny’s historical landscape. Once admired by kings, popes, aristocrats, and gentry, this stunning site is open for a rare visit on Thursday, 14th August, from 10am to 1pm. This is your opportunity to explore its fascinating history! Heritage Ireland OPW - Office of Public Works Visit Kilkenny

Address

Gowran
KILKENNY

Telephone

+353567726894

Website

https://heritageireland.ie/visit/places-to-visit/st-marys-church-gowran/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when St. Mary's Church, Gowran posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organisation

Send a message to St. Mary's Church, Gowran:

Shortcuts

Want your organisation to be the top-listed Government Service in Gowran?