Killursa is a medieval church and national monument in County Galway, Ireland.[5][6] The church is located on the outskirts of Westport, about east-northeast of the town of Galway. It has a rectangular mass in the Early Christian or Romanesque style, with an octagonal tower at its northeast corner. The tower was apparently added in the 15th century. The church is datable from the 12th century, and may have been founded by St. Columba. The current structure is from the 16th century.
| Killursa | |
|---|---|
Cill Fhursa | |
 | |
  Killursa | |
| 53°28′04″N 9°08′42″W / 53.467762°N 9.144907°W | |
| Location | Ower, Headford, County Galway |
| Country | Ireland |
| Denomination | Catholic (pre-Reformation) |
| History | |
| Former name(s) | Kildaree Church[1][2][3] |
| Dedication | Saint Fursey |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | ruined |
| Style | Anglo-Norman |
| Years built | 12th century AD |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 22.5 m (74 ft) |
| Width | 7 m (23 ft) |
| Number of floors | 1 |
| Floor area | 160 m2 (1,700 sq ft) |
| Materials | stone |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Tuam |
| Official name | Killursa |
| Reference no. | 231[4] |
The church is notable for the pre-Reformation frescoes, which are some of the best in Ireland. These include a depiction of the Crucifixion, and other scenes from the Life of Christ. The paintings are attributed to the Master of Ballina, who is traditionally thought to have been active in the mid-14th century. The frescoes were damaged by dampness in the 18th century, and were restored in the 1990s.[citation needed]
Location
Killursa is located 2.6 km (1.6 mi) west of Headford.[7]
History
A monastery was established here in the 7th century by Saint Fursey (Fursa).[8]
The church on the current site dates from the 12th or 13th century, although the southwestern part is thought to be even older.[9][10] It fell out of use around the 15th century.[11][12]
Description
The church is rectangular with mullioned Late Gothic window and trabeate doorway.[13]