Church (in Ruins) — Killerry

In rolling drumlin pasture, in the S half of Killerry graveyard (SL021-011002-). The ruin of this rectangular church (ext. c. 19m E-W; 7.35m N-S) is of at least two phases: the N and E walls (Wth c. 0.9m) are considerably thicker than the S wall (Wth 0.55m) and a cross-wall (Wth 0.6m). Also the N wall is constructed of uncoursed cyclopean masonry; probably matching this are massive quoins at the NE corner and the lower courses of the E wall. The church appears to have been subsequently rebuilt, possibly in the 18th century, when the E wall was built up to a gable. This gable had a central window ope which held a wooden-framed light. Also at this time the church may have been reduced in size by the insertion of the cross-wall, 10.75m from the E gable. The upper part of the S wall and most of the return of the W wall have fallen. A slight sod-covered rise, c. 3.4m to the W from the present end of the N wall, probably marks the original line of the W wall, which may have incorporated a room at the rear of the church (M. A. Timoney 2002b, 57). The interior is under grass; against the N wall is a flat graveslab dated 1830, and there are two headstones of more recent date. The ruin is that of the parish church of Killerry. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Sligo' compiled by Ursula Egan, Elizabeth Byrne, Mary Sleeman with Sheila Ronan and Connie Murphy (Dublin Stationery Office, 2005). Date of upload: 18 January 2008