An Augustinian abbey was founded in 1306 in Fethard. As many other monasteries and churches, it was suppressed in 1540. It fell in ruins and it was later replaced by a more modern building in 1823, that is what we see today at the site. This new Catholic church includes some sections of the original 14th century church and 15th century additions, like the chapel south of the chancel and a transept on the north side.
This transept is in ruins, but it retains many fascinating details. The north-northwest (335°) and east-northeast (65°) walls are still standing, the west wall is missing.
On the outside of the northwest wall, eight medieval grave slabs have been placed, standing against the wall. They are decorated with elegant trefoil crosses. The inscriptions along the edges of those slabs are almost gone, it's quite impossible to read them. The northeast wall of the transept had a doorway now partially blocked by a chest tomb. On the inner side of the northwest wall there are two fine memorials, both decorated with coat of arms of the families.
The larger one is under the window and is dedicated to the Baron De Dumboyne, dating from 1640, under the coat of arms the Latin motto reads "Timor Domini Fons Vite" translated as "Fear of God Source of Life".
There are interesting details and decorations on the more modern church building.
In the same complex a sheela-na-gig can be found.
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