Templeobrick

Situated on a sea-stack, c. 90m from the mainland. The name ‘Templeobrick’ indicates the site of a church associated with the name O'Bric, who were an important section of the Desi. Oileán Ui Bhríc is mentioned as a cardinal point in a mythological division of Munster (Comyn 1902, vol. 1, 127). Ilanobrich was granted by Henry Power of Dunhill (WA025-045001-) to John FitzWalter in 1250-60, but it remained with a branch of the Powers into the late 16th century when it came into the possession of the Earl of Ormond (Westropp 1914-16, 219-221), who still owned TempleIbrack in 1641 (Simington 1942, 118). John O’Donovan (O’Flanagan 1929, 26-7) refers to the foundations of a building which were still evident on the sea-stack in 1840, but suggests that the church was more likely to be on the mainland in Templeyvrick (WA024-070----), c. 1.2 km to the NE. The sea-stack is inaccessible, but it might be the last remnants of a promontory fort. (Mulholland 1976) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Waterford' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1999). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 26th September 2011

The church at Templeobrick, Ballynarrid was likely built by the O'Bric (Ui Bhríc) family, an important branch of the Desi, and dates to the early medieval period. Its location on a sea-stack suggests a remote, possibly monastic or hermitage site, and the dedication may have been to a local saint or to St. Brigid, given the name's possible derivation.