Church

The National Monuments Service's description

In NE corner of graveyard (CO046-03301-), fragmentary ivy-clad remains of church. Earlier section consists of E wall (int. L c. 8.2m N-S) and short return of N wall (int. L c. 1.9m). Later extension to E consists of rectangular structure (int. 10.5m E-W; 6.3m N-S), with annexe projecting from E end of N wall (int. 9.25m N-S; 4m E-W). Earlier section featureless except for central window in E wall, only part of splayed ingoings survive. Extension has central window in E gable: two-light ogee-headed window of sandstone. N and S walls poorly preserved but traces of at least two window opes in S wall and one in N wall. Doorway in N wall leading to annexe, now blocked. Annexe walls not keyed to N wall of church; lintelled door S of centre in W wall; central window in N gable, rectangular light; window ope near centre of E wall. Some burials, with headstones dating to 19th century, inside church. Low mounds of rubble along inside of N and E walls. Extension to W and annexe of late medieval appearance but earlier structure too fragmentary to suggest a date; remains of parish church of Ballynoe which was in ruins by 1615 (Brady 1862, vol. 2, 48). Smith (1750, 153) mentions ruins of religious house 'near the decayed church', Lewis (1837, vol. 1, 160) mentions 'extensive ruins, supposed to be remains of an establishment founded by the Knights Hospitallers'; church named 'Abbey' on all eds of OS 6-inch map; no further historic evidence for such a foundation listed by Gwynn and Hadcock (1988, 364).

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 2: East and South Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1994). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009