Fethard and Kiltinan

Fethard derives its name from Fiodh Ard or high wood.

The town came into being in the 14th C. Edward the third of England gave permission to the townsfolk to enclose the town with walls. Above (bottom left) a picture of an extensive section of the carefully restored town wall. Four castles i.e. tower houses and a number of houses with the armorial bearings of their builders have also survived. Inside the walls of the Church of Ireland lie the remains of part of the transept and windows of the Holy Trinity Church.

At the East end of the town are the ruins of an Augustinian friary founded outside the town walls c 1303-06 by Walter DeMulcote. Built into the wall near the East end of the church is a Sheila Na Gig.

The fortified town wall with Holy Trinity Church in the background (left image below).

Above Fethards' medieval town walls.

Above, a "Sheela na Gig" at Fethard, its description as such is in some doubt as it is not true in form to those in the area.

Above Kiltinan Churc

Above what appears to be a Chimney Stack at Kiltinan, this structure stands on private property, one must have the land owners permission to enter. Built in red brick it is approximately 100 feet in height. Its purpose is unknown to us at present. It has decorative relief at the top, as seen in the inset below.