churches historical ireland

A good example of a medieval parish church which has a fine 15th Century south doorway, and a contemporary east window. One of the corbels at the east end of the north wall is decorated with a carved head. An upper storey at the west end may have been used as a fortified residence....

Denomination : Church of Ireland
This is a functioning Church of Ireland  Church.
Minister: Rev. Kevin Brew


The first church on the site was founded by Sigtrygg, King of Dublin, around 1042. But when, around 1235, the old church was amalgamated with the church on Ireland's Eye, a new church was founded by Luke, Archbishop of Dublin, and it was granted land by Sir Almeric St. Lawrence. Little remains of either of these two churches, and much of the presen...

Teampall Beanan (Temple Benan) near Arkin Castle and higher up, prominently silhouetted on the skyline, is the small church of Saint Benan dating from early Christian times....

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....

St. Senan, who died in 544, founded his monastery here in the first half of the 6th century. One of his pupils was St. Ciaran of Clonmacnoise. The monastery was ravaged by the Vikings in 816 and again in 835, and was probably even occupied by them from 972 to 975, but was recaptured by Brian Boru. The most conspicuous part of the old monastery is the Round Tower, 120 feet high, which is unusual in that the door is at ground level.

Just to the east of the tower is the Cathedral, a chu...

It boasts several interesting features. The fine interior is late georgian, while the front on the Main Street is of late 19th century Venetian Renaissance style. There are many monuments to those who worshipped there in former times.

The church is open to the public 6 days per week for tours. There is a guide available at all these times and tours are free of charge. A donation towards the restoration costs is optional....

In the medieval church a 12th century Romanesque chancel arch has been partially re-erected. It is unique in that it is the only Romanesque chancel arch in Ireland which has figure sculpture. On the south side can be seen Adam and Eve, a man with drinking horn, two figures embracing, an acrobat and David with the head of Goliath, while on the north side there is Samson and the Lion, two bearded faces, an abbot with a crosier and other figures. Nearby is a granite cross.