Freshford
Discover the hidden stories and ancient magic of this remarkable place.
About Freshford
Freshford is a peaceful village with roots stretching back to Ireland's early Christian period. St. Lachtain's Church, with its remarkable Romanesque doorway, stands as evidence of the sophisticated stone carving that flourished here in the 12th century.
The village's ancient Gaelic name, Achadh Úr (meaning 'fresh field'), speaks to the fertile farmland that surrounds it and has sustained communities here for millennia.
Historical Background
St. Lachtain founded a monastery here in the 7th century, and the church that bears his name has been a place of worship ever since. The Romanesque doorway, dating to around 1150, features intricate carved heads and geometric patterns that rank among the finest medieval stone carving in Ireland. The village saw conflict in 1170 when Norman forces clashed with Irish troops nearby. In more peaceful times, Freshford became a market town serving the surrounding agricultural community. Several fine Georgian houses survive from the town's 18th-century prosperity.
Folklore & Legends
"St. Lachtain is said to have had the power to cure toothache, and pilgrims once traveled from across Ireland seeking his intercession. The holy well associated with the saint was visited well into the 20th century. Local tradition holds that the carved faces on the Romanesque doorway represent real people – perhaps the masons who created them, or local chieftains. One face, notably different from the others, is said to be that of a Viking who converted to Christianity and helped build the church."