Killanne is one of three ancient parishes lying to the east of the Blackstairs Mountains. The name comes from the Irish ‘Cill Áine,’ which translates as the ‘Church of Anne.’ This parish likely dates to the introduction of Christianity to Ireland in the early medieval period, around 1,500 years ago. Buried over generations, the old church at Killanne is remembered only through name and by faint traces in fields. Killanne is one of many early medieval religious settlements in the shadow of the Blackstairs Mountains. Holy wells and enclosures are tell-tale signs of a religious settlement in this period, about 1,600-1,000 years ago.
There is little left of the monastic site’s early days that can be seen today. You may notice a slight bank in the fields beside the old graveyard when the grass is low. This is thought to be the remains of the early medieval enclosure, though there is more to the site than meets the eye. Beneath the ground, traces of a smaller enclosure and possible buildings show that this was once a thriving little community.
This is one of several ancient settlements noted around Killanne. A fort has been recorded several fields to the west. There is also evidence of a moated site a few fields to the south . This square-shaped enclosure was possibly a defensive homestead or a farm yard.