Saint Canoc settled near modern-day Ferbane in 492, which at the time was in the territory of Delbhna Eathra.

In 949, Cellachán Caisil, another king of Munster, invaded Delbna Eathra and nearly demolished the abbey.

Despite much resistance, the Irish Church was reformed in the 12th century, allowing Papal authority to be more fully exercised in Ireland.

Religious orders were especially affected, as The Lateran Council of 1159 had urged the clergy of Cathedrals and Collegiate Churches to adopt some form of regular life, in particular the Rule of St. Augustine.

Despite the proclamation of the Plantations of Laois and Offaly in 1556, fierce guerilla warfare against British troops by the local citizens stalled English settlement of the area for fifty years.