The parish church of Rahara dates from at least the thirteenth century and is listed as Rathfard in the ecclesiastical taxation of Elphin in 1306. The church is notable for having a carved head (RO045-077004-) on the northwest corner of the ruin and for a Sheela-na-gig, which is now part of the collection at Roscommon County Museum.
Rahara Church is a structure of considerable architectural, artistic, historical, and social significance, located on a site of rich archaeological and ecclesiastical interest dating back to the thirteenth century.
The church ruin was at risk of collapse. Rahara Cemetery Committee & Roscommon County Council Heritage office under took an emergency conservation project from 2020 to 2022; with thanks to funding from The Heritage Council & the Community Monuments Fund from the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.
These videos document the successful conservation project at this wonderful heritage site.