There are several online references to Kilcatherine Church, but none of them seem definitive. It is a very old church (11th or 12th century), which is now in ruins and was itself built on the ruins of a 7th century monastic site. It is said to be named for St. Caithinghearn, who is usually described as “mysterious.”
Over the south entrance to the church, there is a small gargoyle. It is said to represent the Cat Goddess, an ancient mythological deity. In order to replace such pagan beliefs, Catholic missionaries assimilated some deities and simply renamed them.
Napoleon once hoped to invade Ireland not far from here.
