St. Mary's, the Ancient Parish Church of Ros - built in 1210

It is said that Isabel, grand-daughter and heiress of Dermot MacMurrough and Countess of Pembroke, was responsible for the building of St. Mary's - as depicted in the tapestry panel "Gothic Glory: The building of the parish church of St. Mary's 1210". These church remains are the only surviving built evidence in New Ross linked to the Marshall family.

Grandiose, elegant, St. Mary's was one of the first Gothic churches built in Ireland and certainly the largest. The soaring, almost cathedral-like proportions and beautiful carvings are still extant today and the site remains as place of worship.

The small heart tomb within the ancient walls bears the legend 'Isabel Laegn' (Leinster).

Also, among other medieval effigies is a carving of a baby in swaddling bands, it's head resting on a stone pillow. Nobody knows who the child is: he is called "The Bambino of Ros". The surrounding graveyard has been used as a burial place from 1210 - 2000. The many tombstones bear the names of the families resident in New Ross for hundreds of years. Cruciform in shape, the walls of the original chancel and transepts are intact.