Killeshin romanesque church

The Killeshin  church was erected in the 12th  century, where a 5th century monastery had stood, destroyed in 1077.  The village was named after the very church (Cill Uisean).

The most interesting architectural element of the building is its romanesque portal built between 1150 and 1160. The low reliefs show zoomorphic motives, faces as well as characteristic knotwork (influenced by the Scandinavian art of Vikings), typical of  Ireland. The low reliefs are thought to have been painted. The church portal in Killeshin is one of the few examples which have a triangular top. 
The names above the reliefs might be related to Dermot McMurrough, King of Leinster who invited the Normans to Ireland.

To reach the place, one can take the Portlaoise Road and turn into the road leading to the hills. Pay attention to the signposts.