Portnahinch Church Ruin
Located not far from the town of Mountmellick in Laois lies the small Church ruin of Portnahinch.
.jpg "Portnahinch Church Ruins, Laois")
Today it is quite easy to fly past on the road that runs alongside almost without even noticing its presence.
.jpg "Portnahinch Church Ruins, Laois")
At the present time there in confusion as to the date of its original construction and there are no early records of a Church at this site.
.jpg "Portnahinch Church Ruins, Laois")
The rudimentary construction of a window opening has been taken as suggestive of the14th century however with no records before, during and after that period of a Church here for many centuries the building is also suggested as originating in the 17th century.
This seems a more likely date for its construction.
.jpg "Portnahinch Church Ruins, Laois")
The earliest gravestones are dated to the 1700's and the small enclosure is well maintained with the surrounding grass regularly cut.
The nearby River Barrow, one of the "Three Sisters" rivers system delineates the County boundary at this point between Laois and Offaly.
.jpg "Portnahinch Church Ruins, Laois")
Fling a stone across the river and it will land in neighboring Offaly.
.jpg "Portnahinch Church Ruins, Laois")
Nearby is Tinnakill Castle, an old Irish Tower House.
.jpg "Portnahinch Church Ruins, Laois")
Not far from the ruin is the Garryhinch crossroads where a Queen Victoria (VR - Victoria Regina) Postbox/Wallbox can be found inserted into the wall.
.jpg "Portnahinch Church Ruins, Laois")
There's not a great deal to see at the Church ruin but it's a tranquil spot and worth taking a few minutes out here in quiet contemplation.
Keep the wheels turning.
.jpg "Portnahinch Church Ruins, Laois")
.jpg "Portnahinch Church Ruins, Laois")
Coordinates here:
Further reading :
Irish Genealogical project - Laois
failteromhat.com - Griffith valuation listing for Ardea, Laois