Callan, Kilkenny

Callan, in the centre of a fertile plain, is an ancient market town, founded by William the Marshal in 1217. The name derives from Niall Caille, High King. He drowned in the King's River during a battle with the Danes in 844. The river, which serves the town, was also named to commemorate this particular king. He is buried at Kilree.

The town was strongly fortified in mediaeval times. Corporate rights were granted to the town in 1271. In 1408 there was a battle here in which the Prince of Ossory and 800 of his men were slain by the English.

What to see and do in Callan

At St. Mary's Church in the Main Street of the town, the west tower is all that remains of the original 13th century church, built by Hugh de Mapilton. The rest of the present structure dates from 1460. The church consists of a nave and chancel, two aisles and a chapel that was added in 1530. Fine sculptured details adorn the north and south doors. Some 16th and 17th century tombstones including one attributed to Rory O'Tunney, an early 16th century sculptor. A mediaeval font is preserved in the chancel, used as a place of worship until the 1970's. There are some remains of the fifteenth-century Augustinian Priory founded by Sir James Butler, and traces of the castle which was bombarded by Cromwell in 1650.

In the main street stands a handsome memorial in Kilkenny limestone to Edmund Ignatius Rice, founder of the Irish Christian Brothers.

Callan Golf Club is situated about 2km east of the town.

Callan Map

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