Graveyard

The National Monuments Service's description

In the angle formed by the junction of the rivers Nore and Dinin. A broad high gravel ridge terminates a little before the river confluence. It slopes very steeply on its E and S side down to the river flood plain and rather more gently down to the Nore on the W. The upper and W side of the ridge is largely reclaimed pasture. From the top of the ridge there are very fine views in all directions. Carrigan (1905, vol. 2, 208) noted that, 'At a distance of 160 yds. [c. 146m] north of the church [KK014-031----] already described, 120 yds. [c. 109m] due east of the castle [KK014-029----], and 80 yds. [c. 73m] from the Dinin, stood the most ancient church [KK014-030001-], called Thomple-Glhozheen. The people say it was "the second church named in Rome," an expression never used except in reference to our oldest churches. It, too, was built on a limestone bed, elevated 16 or 20 feet over the adjacent river. it stood east and west and was of considerable dimensions. Its walls, where highest, are now not more than one foot over the surface, but a very little excavation would suffice to lay bare the whole foundation of the sacred structure. Around it lies the ancient churchyard, but interments have been discontinued since about 1770. There are no head-stones or appearances of graves. Formerly people used to gather here on Good Friday to pray and pilgrim'. The graveyard is not visible at ground level.

Compiled by: Jean Farrelly

Date of upload: 2 June 2020