churches historical ireland

Only one wall and a ruined west gable are left of this possibly medieval church. Next to this ruin is a very old graveyard, possibly medieval or later, which has also been used in more recent times as a children's burial ground.

What looks like a mere jumble of stones begins to take on a pattern the more carefully it is examined....

Along with Our Lady's Church, this is the oldest church in the lower valley. Dating to Kevin's lifetime, it is said to have been founded for St. Mocherog, a grandson of Brachan, King of Britain. Mocherog was a close friend of Kevin and was privileged to administer the Last Rites to the founder of Glendalough during Kevin's last moments on earth. Trinity Church was notable for having a 20 metre Round Tower incorporated into its design but, unfortunately, it was destroyed during a fierce storm...

This 13th century church stands on an island in the middle of a bog where St. Ruadhan of Lorrha founded a monastery in the 6th century. The church, which may incorporate parts of an older church, has a nave and chancel with lancet windows, and a decorative piscina.

The west wall of some (15th century) domestic buildings remain. In 1980, a valuable hoard of religious vessels, including a chalice, a paten and a ladle were discovered in the vicinity of the church; these are now in the Na...

Christ Church was originally built in 1830 by Bishop Knox and was called the Free Church as it was intended solely for the poorer classes; ironically it later became the most bourgeois of the city congregations. The Church was almost completely rebuilt in 1903 and the name was changed to Christ Church by Bishop Alexander who seemingly disliked saints.

It stands at the foot of Brooke Park facing St Eugene's Cathedral.

Admission: Free

Location: Leading to Northland R...

An old schoolhouse built in 1898 is the location of the Ardagh Heritage Centre. It houses an exciting exhibition which outlines the history of this exquisite village. The story of Ardagh is one of history, literature and storytelling. This exhibition draws on the rich fabric of Ardagh life down through the ages, from the roots of the village in Irish mythology, to its development as an important early church and its emergence as a model estate village. Over the years, Ardagh has played host t...

This is a 12th century church half buried in sand-dunes on the Southern end of the island, surrounded by a graveyard said to contain the remains of 120 saints....

Inside there are two wooden crosses, one a copy of a medieval termon cross which stood some distance north of the church. Close by is a holy well, still frequented by pious pilgrims who attach rags to the surrounding trees....

Drumsna's Catholic Church (1845) is situated in the village. A memorial just beyond the church is dedicated to Robert Strawbridge who was born in Drumsna in 1732. He founded the Methodist Church in the USA and died in Baltimore, Maryland in 1781. A small cemetery close by is the burial place of Surgeon Thomas Parke, who accompanied Henry Morton Stanley on his celebrated expedition to the African Congo.

Anthony Trollope, the English novelist lived here for a time when he worked with...

Mid 18th century Gothic building with one of the most outstanding spires in the Midlands. In the vestry there is a list of Rectors of the parish dating from the 1400's and silver chalices donated by Lord Longford. Private Joseph Ward is interred in this graveyard. Born in Kinsale, he was one of the first to be awarded the Victoria Cross for distinguished Bravery for his part in the crimean war and Indian Mutiny....

Dalkey Island 7th Century Christian Church is a small church dedicated to St. Begnet.
This was later used as a living quaters for the builders of Martello Tower and Gun Battery in 1804.

People can visit the island by boat in the summer months, by asking the local fisher men at the nearby harbours....