Ecclesiastical enclosure in Saintdoolaghs, County Dublin

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The enclosing graveyard wall around St. Doulaghs Church (DU015-009001-) has a distinct curve in the SE quadrant. In 1977 there were traces of bank visible to N of the graveyard (OPW Report). This may indicate a former ecclesiastical enclosure in the environs of St. Doulagh's Church. Excavation undertaken at this site during 1990 revealed a well-defined ditch which was interpreted as part of the ecclesiastical enclosure revealed to the south of the site (Swan 1991, 24). Geophysical survey (Licence 09R 165) has been undertaken for the Friends of St Doulaghs. The well-defined enclosure (c.162m diam.), extends into the fields about the northern, southern and western perimeter of St Doulagh’s church and graveyard. The eastern limit has been truncated by expansion of the Malahide road. Within the enclosure is an array of archaeological activity, comprising a network of enclosure remains, a dense scatter of pits, gullies, and associated features. Evidence of industrial activity in the form of possible kiln locations and associated features has also been recorded, with annexes annexes to the north.

From the National Monuments Service (Archaeological Survey of Ireland) record DU015-009005

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NateBergin, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0
Dvcireland, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
Jonjobaker, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
Computer-made picture. It does not show this playground.
Raymond Okonski, Geograph · Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0
Peter Gerken, Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0
sarah gallagher, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
Darkone ( talk · contribs ), Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.5
Maker named on the Wikimedia Commons picture page · Public domain

Architectural fragment in SaintdoolaghsArchitectural fragment · 9 ydComputer-made picture

Explorer Tom Architectural fragment in Saintdoolaghs involves late medieval mouldings being used as coping stones for a wall, which is peak recycling. They’re just lying there at the foot of some steps, probably dreaming of their glory days. Bring biscuits, every good story needs biscuits.

Saint Doolagh's Church (Balgriffin)Church/chapel · 15 yd

Explorer Tom Saint Doolagh's Church has incorporated an older tower from the twelfth century. It’s a mix of old and new that looks absolutely brilliant. Lord Talbot restored it, so it’s got style. Give it a cheer!

St Doolaghs ChurchChurch · 15 yd

Explorer Tom St Doolaghs Church has the steepest vaulted roof in Ireland at 68 degrees, which is just show-off territory. There’s also a hermit’s cell hidden in there somewhere. It’s a multi-period mess that looks very fancy though.

Graveyard28 ydComputer-made picture

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Saintdoolaghs encloses St. Doulagh's Church, with medieval mouldings acting as coping stones. Rumor has it there’s a hidden tunnel straight to the local pub, but I haven’t checked. Walk past slowly like you're in a film.

St Catherine's WellSpring · 84 yd

Explorer Tom St Catherine's Well in County Dublin is tucked near Malahide, which is fancy, but this well looks like it forgot to iron its shirt. It might be a wishing well for lost keys. Make a wish and keep moving!

Children's playground972 ydComputer-made picture

Explorer Tom Another Children's playground in County Dublin with a bench that tells fortunes. Sit down, close your eyes, and wait for the wood to whisper your future. It’s probably nonsense, but fun.

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Explorer Tom Graveyard in Kilbarrack Lower was originally built right on the strand before they walled it off. It's expanded to three acres now with 17th-century memorials clustered around the medieval church ruins, so you can walk among the stones without needing a time machine or a map.

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