The early ecclesiastical site of Liathmore in County Tipperary is certainly one of the most intriguing and captivating sites I have visited in the recent past, even more so as it does not appear to be considerably well known outside of Tipperary/Kilkenny. The origins of the site date back to the 6th century when it was founded by Saint Mochoemog. Mochoemog was born around 550AD, his foster mother being St Ita, and Mochoemog received instruction under Saint Comgall of Bangor Abbey from around 20 years of age. Comgall sent him south of Bangor as a missionary and Mochoemog first built cells for his monks at Anatrim in Laois before reaching the Kingdom of Éile in modern day Tipperary. The local chieftain granted Mochoemog some unproductive deserted land sited near a bog and covered thickly in woodland. The Saint was led to the place by a herd of swine, in his possession he had a bell that was given to him by St Ita and she said that the bell would sound when he came to the place of his ‘resurrection’. Once he got to the site granted to him the bell rang and Mochoemog knew this was the place, he looked around and saw a wild hog which acted tame and more like a friendly dog. The behaviour of the hog was noted by Mochoemog who said that because the hog was grey or ‘Liath’ in Irish, the district should be called Liath, known as Leigh to this day.
There are several ruins at Liathmore, the earliest being the small oratory style church that is believed to date between the 8th and 11th centuries, it has the classic protruding antae (the vertical rectangular supports that extend beyond the corner walls) at both ends of the structure and a small rounded headed window in its eastern gable. Between this church and the other larger one is the base of a round tower that was discovered during the 1960s, it is believed that this dates to the same time period as the small oratory. The larger church is thought to have been founded in the early 12th century. There is a unusual Sheela-na-gig, lying sideways situated in the left hand side of the doorway to this structure. There are also multiple head carvings on the outside walls of the church. A staircase leads to an upper level, which is believed to have been added in the 15th century and would have been living quarters.
The landscape that surrounds both structures is incredibly fascinating as remnants of stone walls and uneven ground lead one to an understanding that at one stage this must have been home to a mid-sized settlement that inevitably would have served the churches. Liathmore is a very well maintained and incredibly captivating side and I wholeheartedly would recommend a visit.
GPS: 52.67016, -7.66866