The port town of New Ross dates from pre-Middle Ages. The earliest settlement in this area dates to the 6th century when St. Abban of Magheranoidhe founded a monastery in what is now Irishtown. The original earthen banked circular enclosure of his monastery was visible around the graveyard until it was removed by the council. It was replaced by a concrete wall and steel fence. Its name, "Ros", was shortened from "Ros Mhic Treoin", or "the Wood of the Son of Treoin".