Church (in Ruins)

Parish church of Dunbullogue, now in NE quadrant of graveyard (CO063-025001-), but at centre of graveyard as shown on 1842 OS 6-inch map. Fragmentary overgrown remains of rectangular church (c. 27m E-W; c. 8.4m N-S). E and N walls reduced to sod-covered foundations; portions of S wall stand but surviving W wall and SW corner appear to be rebuilt. Traces of crossing wall mid-way along ruin. Piscina near E end of S wall; trefoil-headed recess with chamfered edge. Ogee head of light re-set on inside of W wall. In 1700 the walls were 'still standing for the most part... a partition wall runs through the middle of it, without any arch' (Brady 1863, vol. 1, 314); Brunicardi (1913, 26) suggests the church may have been shortened when repaired about 159; it was in ruins by 1639 (Brady ibid., 311). Man-made underground passage (CO063-107----) near NW corner. 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

The church at Dunbulloge was likely built in the medieval period, with its central position in the graveyard suggesting origins as an early Christian or medieval parish church. Its rectangular form and alignment indicate a simple ecclesiastical style typical of rural Irish churches of the period, though specific dedications or builders are not recorded.