A ruined 13th Century Friary church in the town centre was once the principal friary in Ireland. It carries a fading memorial erected with great solemnity in the 10790s to martyrs allegedy killed in cromwellian times. Later it was discovered the whole story was a 19th century hoax!
The towns main square is named Banba Square on account of the legend that the Goddess Eiruor Ireland appeared to Amergin leader of the Milesians in the form of Banba of the herds near where the town now stands to bless the milesian celts in their enterprise to take over Ireland. It is dominated by the mid 19th century Doric Magnificence of the recently restored County Courthouse complete with a slender bronze statue of lady justice on the pediment. She replaces her portly predecessor who had to be removed in the late 19th century as she was causing cracks in the stonework!
Near the square is the former county Jail converted into a museum and geneological centre.
The town prospered in the 19th century and bothe the Church of Ireland protestant/episcopal and Roman Catholic Communities erected highly regarded Gothic masterpieces of their time. Much of the town has well proportioned buildings albeit somewhat disfigured by modern shopfronts and signage
