Kilmalkeder was located on a popular pilgrimage route in the early medieval period. The current Romanesque church on the monastic site dates from the 12th century and features fine carvings, especially on the doorway and on the chancel arch. 

Next to the chancel arch is the Alphabet Stone, which has been dated to the 6th century. The primary inscription, consists of the letters ‘dni’, which are a contraction of the Latin word domini, meaning ‘Lord’. The graveyard also features a number of important stone monuments, such as a large latin cross, an ogham stone, and an early medieval sundial.