churches historical ireland

A small 12th century church which consisted of a nave and chancel. Only the foundations of the nave remain, but the chancel is better preserved and contains a rounded east window which splays inwards. It is picturesquely situated beside lake Ballymore....

In the cemetery is a late medieval church. the round-headed south window may have come from an earlier church on the same site. The trunk of a cross with a coat of arms and an inscription, put up in 1622 in memory of Florence Fitzpatrick and his wife, has been re-erected near the National School nearby....

The exact date of the building of the parish church is uncertain. Some experts suggest that it was built in 1204 by William de Burgh. Other experts put the day later, however, the church was in use before 1228.

It is the town's most significant ancient building and incorporates several features of architectural interest - stained glass windows, one of which commemorates the family of William Tinsley, Clonmel's Victorian Architect.

Its most significant visual impact comes from...

A church, built around 1200, which served as an auxiliary to the Augustinian Priory of Mohill. The church has simple but attractive east and south lancet windows. The moulding on the outside of the east window ends with two upturned heads.

The plain north doorway was inserted in the 15th century. Beside the entrance to the graveyard an Ogham stone has been re-erected - it is the only one in Co. Leitrim. All that can be read of the inscription is the name of the person commemorate...

Continue the road to Mullingar, stopping at Killare to visit St. Brigid's well. Beside the well are the remains of an early medieval stone church, surrounded by a circular earthen bank which suggests a very early Christian foundation; history tell us that the founder was St. Hugh but tradition has linked the name of St. Brigid with the place....

A Franciscan foundation, Layde was a parish church from 1306 to the end of the 18th century. Chief burial place of the MacDonnells after Bonamargy. Free access always. A mile north of Cushendall via footpath on coast road to Torr Head, signposted....

The story of Armagh Cathedral begins in 445AD when, according to tradition, St patrick built a stone church on the hill known as Druim Saileach (Sallow Ridge).

Around the Church building in early days was built one of the most celebrated of the great Irish Monastic Schools to which students came from all over Europe. Here in 1014 on the north side of the great church was buried Brian Boru High King of Ireland. A plaque on the exterior west wall of the North Transept commemorates this...

Further along the Emyvale road is the parish church of Donagh (1837). William Carleton the novelist went to hedge school here. Hedge schools were formed during the times of the Penal Laws to covertly educate a population which had no state recognition.

Carleton was born in Clogher and his novels including 'The Fair of Emyvale', reflect colourful local characters of his time....

A Church and some relatively recent buildings (1950) to your left, constitute the Franciscan Friary. Visitors are welcome to walk in the beautifully laid out grounds, reflect in the delightful garden or relax with a cup ot tea in the tearoom. A viewpoint at the western end of the grounds overlooks the broad expanse of Rossnowlagh beach.

The Donegal Historical Society's Museum is housed here and is open to the public all year....

A St. Bridget ( Not to be confused with the saint of the same name from Kildare) founded a monastery or convent here in the 6th century which was burned in 1094. The 34 foot high stump of a Round Tower with round-headed doorway is all that remains of the old monastery. The church is said to have been built in 1609, but may be earlier. It has an intact east window and partially preserved barrel-vaulting. The staircase leading from the church to the roof forms a separate building beside the ch...