Abbeylara Cistercian Abbey

The abbey was likely built on the site of a much earlier Christian church. In Abbeylara, it is said that the original Mainistir Lerha (abbey of Lara) was founded by St. Patrick himself, who appointed St Guasacht its first abbot. The Cistercian house was founded in 1205 by Richard de Tuite, the Norman knight who built the motte in Granard; deTuite is said to have been interred here after he died in 1211 caused by a falling tower in Athlone, Co. Westmeath. Click here for a link to the Abbeylara website. 
One of the most interesting features of the church interior is what appears to be a sheela-na-gig, which is located on the south wall. Sheela-na-gigs (Síle na Gig) are grotesque carvings depicting wizened hags, usually nude and displaying their sex in a prominent manner.