“Walls stained with rusted light
We move within their shadow
Seek the god that holds the night
Pray to reach its end”

— Claire Loader

The church ruin in Ireland is often a small affair, relegated in thought to a quiet grove, silent headstones, four lonely walls peeking out from among the grass. Thirteenth century Collegiate Church of Kilmallock is, in comparison, a revelation, the whole town of Kilmallock indeed awash with medieval surprises, testament to its place as a stronghold of the Earls of Desmond, the family line of the White Knights. One can almost still smell the smoke emanating from braziers, hear the low hum of midnight prayers as feet take you into its great expanse - tall arches and ornate tombs, whispers in the aisles. And perhaps the most stunning of all, the five-pointed tips of the magnificent lancet window, once afire with colour, standing now over the empty nave, a towering sentinel of the past.

You can find the location of this wonderful friary and the many other places I’ve visited here. Come explore with me amidst the ruins of the past, we may just find a gem…

Buy this gorgeous Kilmallock print in my Etsy shop here.