St Mary's Collegiate Church was built in the 13th Century, possibly on the site of an earlier monastery. It was home to a "college" of clerics who lived in community together, but who were not bound by monastic vows. The college consisted of four priests, living in a nearby house, who were supported by a financial grant. In 1312AD, Edmund Butler, Earl of Carrick, entered a binding agreement to provide this support in return for the resident clergy celebrating masses forever, for himself, his wife Joan, his son, James Butler, 1st Earl of Ormonde, his daughters and his ancestors living and dead.

During the 18th Century, the church fell into a state of disrepair. However, in 1826AD, a new chancel was built incorporating the original tower, and the church was brought back into use as a place of worship.

Today, the new church and the ruins of the old church coexist side-by-side. I stumbled across this site randomly during a trip through the Irish countryside, and it was pleasant to wander around the grounds in the fading light of the day.