The church is located 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) west of the city centre, on the north bank of the River Shannon.

[1] The church was built some time in the 10th century, and first appears in records of 1201;[2] it is believed to be oldest building in the city.

[3] The window in the south wall is 15th century, from a nearby Franciscan church.

It was excavated in 1999; approximately 40 bodies were found buried beneath the Quinlivan window, dating to the 16th or 17th century.

[6][7] [8] Based on its large stone blocks and lintel, the church is placed to the pre-Norman period.