Doondonnell Church (in ruins)

Situated on the demesne lands of Cloghanarold House and Castle (LI029-126----) located 210m to NNE which stands 50m S of the River Deel. Church ruins with earthworks of possible medieval fields or settlement to E, S and W of church visible on OSi orthophotos taken 2005. Westropp (1904-5, 399-400) records the following details on Teampall Dhún Dónaill or the Church of Doondonnell; 'In 1237 the benefices of the lands of Robert Donndonenolde, near Rathgel, were resigned by Keynsham (B.B.L., p. 75). This marks the founder as the earlier Robert of 1201 (see also Plea R., xiv Hen. III., No. 4, m. 1259). Chapel of the castle of Robert de Dundonenyld [LI029-126----], 1291. Castle Robert de Dundonoyl, 1332, dedicated to St. Mary Magdalen, 22nd July, 1410; Downdonill, 1418; "Castro Robti Dondwnyll vocata, Harold's Castle," 1452 (rental), whence Cloghnarold. Fabric - It is 45 feet [13.7m] by 18½ feet [5.5m]; the gables fell before 1840, and 26 feet [8m] of north wall remained; there were two defaced windows and a round arched door. No burials had taken place there since 1810 (O.S. L. 8, p. 165). St. Molua's Well [LI029-010----]near it'. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 14 January 2019