[1] St. Molua's Church was constructed on Friar's Island in the River Shannon, to the south of Killaloe town.

In 1929–30 the Shannon hydroelectric scheme raised the water level and submerged Friar's Island, and the church was dismantled and brought north to be constructed on its present site in the grounds of Killaloe Cathedral.

[2][3] A monastery was founded on Friar's Island by Mo Lua in the 6th century.

[4][5] The church consists of nave and narrow chancel, built of limestone and mortar.

The roof was built without a barrel vault and so collapsed in a storm.