Kilkea Medieval Baptismal Font, Co. Kildare

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The Baptismal Font from the medieval church ruin at Kilkea Castle, Kilkea, Co. Kildare.

Externally the font is octagonal in form and tapers from about halfway down its height. This was presumably designed to be supported by an octagonal shaft and base. Internally the font has a deep spherical basin that drains through a whole in one of the sides. Apart from its octagonal form, there is no decorative carving.

A Provincial Synod held at Christ Church, Dublin, in 1189, stipulated that “an immovable font” with a drain should be provided for baptisms in parish churches. It is assumed that most of the large stone fonts with drains date to shortly after this synod.