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Parish Church at Emly.
The original name of the Parish was Imleac, signifying land verging on a lake. A lake of about two hundred acres existed here until 1718 when it was drained by Robert Ryves, a tenant of Archbishop Palliser. In ancient times Emly was an important place and the seat of the Diocese. A cathedral once existed on the edge of the lake but does not exist today. St Ailbe founded an abbey for canons regular in the fifth century. The Parish Church occupies the site of earlier churches dating back to the original foundation on this site by St. Ailbe, who died in 527 AD. In the ninth century the Danes regularly plundered Emly and in 847AD Olchobhair King of Munster, aided by forces headed by the son of the King of Leinster, killed 1,200 Danes who had plundered the abbey the previous year. The see was united with Cashel in 1568.
Above examples of the rich stone carvings from the Parish Church interior.
As seen above many depict animals.
Above left (St. Ailbe's Stone) , note the stone on top of the early Christian Cross. Tradition has it that if you follow the cross on the stone with a stone and make a wish, it will be granted. On the right a very old baptismal font, at the entrance to the Church.
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