Church in Kiltomy

Kiltomy Church (Cill Tóime, the church of Tóime) (in ruins), graveyard (KE015-056003-). The first we know of this site is that it was occupied in 580 AD by a certain Domaingein, who founded a church here. However, the later church was built in 1623, according to a plaque (KE015-056002-) inserted into the S wall near the SE corner (O'Donovan, 1841, 35). No trace of this plaque could be found and at present no trace of the church can be seen in the graveyard. It was knocked to provide material for extending the wall surrounding the cemetery (Dennehy, 1942, 34). The church was constructed of small stones and measures 'fifty-eight feet in length and twenty-one feet in breadth and its walls are two feet three inches in thickness. Within the graveyard are two stones with a skull and cross bones design containing an inscription VELA BRIVI and NE ME NAMORI; these are reputedly part of an altar erected for a Fitzmaurice lady who is buried there' (Kerry Field Club 1945, Vol I, 698). The above description is derived from C. Toal, ‘North Kerry Archaeological Survey’. Dingle. Brandon in association with FAS Training and Employment Authority (1995), no. 948. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 3 August 2013

The church in Kiltomy was founded in 580 AD by Domaingein and is dedicated to Saint Tóime. It is a significant early Christian site, reflecting the monastic tradition of medieval Ireland.