Architectural feature in Stradbally North

Late 16th/early 17th century round headed doorway incorporated into W gable of 19th century All Saints' C of I church which stands in the W quadrant of a graveyard (LI001-002002-) in the village of Castleconnell. This doorway may have been taken from the ruins of the medieval church (LI001-002001-) located 15m E of the C of I church and reused as the W doorway of the C of I church which was built in 1809. Alternatively the 19th century C of I church could incorporate the remains of a 17th century church that replaced the medieval church and which was then rebuilt in 1809 incorporating the doorway from the earlier 17th century church. This late 16th/early 17th century round-arched doorway has punch dressed jambs with hood-moulding above and is now used as the main doorway into All Saint's C of I Church. The jambs of the doorway display decorative punch dressing in a chequerboard fashion. The C of I church was described by the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage as a 'Freestanding gable-fronted Board of First Fruits style Church of Ireland church, built in 1809, enlarged in 1826, and in 1844 and may also incorporate earlier fabric. Comprising crenellated apex to gable front, octagonal limestone spire with cast-iron finial to front (west) elevation, five-bay nave having gablets, and three-bay single-storey L-plan vestry to north elevation. The form and massing of this well composed church is in keeping with the standard plan promoted by the Board of First Fruits. It is distinguished, however, by well crafted features such as the ornate limestone tower and unusual gablets. The church was enlarged to the north in 1826 and 1844 by James Pain' (www.buildingsofireland.ie, Reg. No. 21807027). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 25 October 2018