Aghacross Church

Aghacross Church
Enquire

Templemolagga, alias Aghacross, is the name of a medieval parish, focussed on this monastic site, which is claimed to have been founded in the 7th century by Saint Molagga. Two features associated with early Christian monasteries in Ireland are present here - a holy well and a bullaun stone. The holy well, located on the south side of the graveyard, was a place of worship into the late 20th century when its water was drunk for curative purposes. The bullaun (bowl) stone is located in the church and is a rough stone with a carved circular depression. The exact function of these stones remains unclear but they are typically found at early monastic sites like Aghacross.

The church in the centre of the graveyard is the remains of the old parish church. The present ruin is medieval in date and was built in two distinct phases. The earlier phase consists of the western half of the church and dates to the twelfth century. It is built of sandstone in the Romanesque style. The present door in the centre of the west wall is not original but incorporates stones from the original, showing that it was much more elaborate in design.

The church was substantially rebuilt in the 15th century by the insertion of a chancel at its eastern end. This was built in limestone in local Gothic style, typified by the double ogee-headed window in the centre of the east wall. A new doorway was inserted into the south wall, with a stoup (holy water font) on its east side. At the east end of the south wall is a recess which contained a piscina (basin used in the washing of sacred vessels). The carved head on the outside face of the east gable is reputed to be a representation of Saint Molagga.

The church was reported as being in repair in 1615 but had been abandoned by 1694. In 1771 the Massey family built a vaulted tomb at its east end of the church.

The graveyard contains many interesting carved headstones, the earliest dating from the mid-18th century. There are also many low uninscribed grave markers in the graveyard, whose history has long been forgotten.

Read more about the history of Kildorerry and its connection with Peter Robinson's Settlers Story.

Link to Recorded Historic Graves Names
  • Contact:
  • Aghacross, County Cork, Ireland

Suitable for:

History Lovers
Location Enquire

Templemolagga, alias Aghacross, is the name of a medieval parish, focussed on this monastic site, which is claimed to have been founded in the 7th century by Saint Molagga. Two features associated with early Christian monasteries in Ireland are present here - a holy well and a bullaun stone. The holy well, located on the south side of the graveyard, was a place of worship into the late 20th century when its water was drunk for curative purposes. The bullaun (bowl) stone is located in the church and is a rough stone with a carved circular depression. The exact function of these stones remains unclear but they are typically found at early monastic sites like Aghacross.

The church in the centre of the graveyard is the remains of the old parish church. The present ruin is medieval in date and was built in two distinct phases. The earlier phase consists of the western half of the church and dates to the twelfth century. It is built of sandstone in the Romanesque style. The present door in the centre of the west wall is not original but incorporates stones from the original, showing that it was much more elaborate in design.

The church was substantially rebuilt in the 15th century by the insertion of a chancel at its eastern end. This was built in limestone in local Gothic style, typified by the double ogee-headed window in the centre of the east wall. A new doorway was inserted into the south wall, with a stoup (holy water font) on its east side. At the east end of the south wall is a recess which contained a piscina (basin used in the washing of sacred vessels). The carved head on the outside face of the east gable is reputed to be a representation of Saint Molagga.

The church was reported as being in repair in 1615 but had been abandoned by 1694. In 1771 the Massey family built a vaulted tomb at its east end of the church.

The graveyard contains many interesting carved headstones, the earliest dating from the mid-18th century. There are also many low uninscribed grave markers in the graveyard, whose history has long been forgotten.

Read more about the history of Kildorerry and its connection with Peter Robinson's Settlers Story.

Link to Recorded Historic Graves Names
  • Contact:
  • Aghacross, County Cork, Ireland

Suitable for:

History Lovers