Church (in Ruins) — Downings North

Stands on a slight rise to S of centre in possible early ecclesiastical enclosure (KD013-008001-). A poorly preserved, ivy-clad, rectangular structure (int. dims. traceable L 15.5m E-W; Wth 4.85m; wall T 0.85m) is built of randomly coursed limestone blocks. A partly robbed-out doorway (Wth 1.6m) near the surviving W end of the S wall is matched by a section of robbed-out wall (Wth 2.2m) in the N wall opposite which may have contained a second, opposing doorway. The W gable wall is gone and the E gable contains a large, partially robbed-out window embrasure above which the inner face of the gable is set-back (D c. 0.2m) c. 1m below the apex. There is a second, blocked-up window embrasure towards the E end of the S wall. There is a small wall-cupboard at the S end of the E wall and a second, similar cupboard just W of the doorway in the S wall. Opposing vertical joint lines, and different masonry styles, near the E ends of the N and S walls suggest that the E gable end may have been rebuilt. The interior is covered with gravel chippings laid on polythene sheeting and contains a cross-inscribed headstone (KD013-008004-) and a fragment of a baptismal font (KD013-008005-). Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy Date of upload: 10 June 2011