Cooliney Church (in Ruins)

In centre of graveyard (14571). Ruin of rectangular church (int. 16.8m E-W; int. 7.61m N-S); most of E and W walls fallen, but N and S walls stand to full height (H 4.8m). Entered through doorway W-of-centre in S wall: inside of doorway much ruined; outside covered by segmental relieving arch, possibly rebuilt; part of W door jamb survives, as does part of drawbar socket on E side. Featureless gap (Wth 2.5m) near E end of N wall. Small openings through walls probably putlog holes. According to Grove White (1905-25, vol. 2, 249), in 1909 'of the E gable about 3 ft. or 4ft. of masonry existing, and about 9ft. of W end standing.' Remains of parish church of Cooliney. Reported 'in repair' in 1615, abandoned by 1694 (Brady 1863, vol. 2, 175-6). A church here listed in Papal Taxation of 1291 (ibid.). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 4: North Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2000). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

Cooliney Church was likely built in the 13th or 14th century by a local ecclesiastical or lay community; its rectangular plan and standing walls suggest a medieval ecclesiastical style, and it is situated within a graveyard, indicating its role as a place of worship and burial. Its survival within a graveyard highlights its historical and archaeological significance for understanding rural medieval Christianity.