Local Attractions
Rathgall Hillfort
Rathgall is a multivallate hillfort, on the edge of a ridge with four concentric stone walls and extensive panoramic views. It is an imposing monument covering a total area of 7.5ha (18 acres), with the inner circle measuring 15 metres wide.
Aghowle Church
St. Finnian established a religious community at Aghowle (field of the apple trees) early in the 6th Century. He erected a "Teampall Mór’ or big Church as he had a large number of monks living in Aghowle. They lived in beehive cells, built around a wooden Church. St Finnian continued to live in Aghowle for 16 years. Around 1100 AD the wooden Church was replaced with the present stone structure.
Celtic Cross
On the South-West side of the Church is a very fine Celtic Cross made of granite stone and standing at 12 feet 4 inches in height. This Cross dates from the primitive ages of the Irish Church as it exhibits no sculpture or inscriptions. Local legend says that if you can encircle the Cross with your arms and your hands link, you will come into good fortune! The Church yard also contains a water font that is believed to cure skin ailments.
