Toberatemple Church

Freestanding Board of First Fruits style Church of Ireland church, built 1792, comprising three-bay double-height nave having three-stage bell tower to front (west), single-bay single-storey chancel to rear (east), added 1854. Pitched gables to nave and chancel with roof now missing, carved limestone corbels to eaves course level. Rubble stone walls having roughly dressed quoins, carved limestone string courses and carved stone head to tower. Pointed arch window openings having cut limestone surrounds and sills, Y-tracery to nave and intersecting tracery to chancel openings. Blind quatrefoil openings to first-stage of tower. Pointed arch door opening to front elevation of tower having tooled limestone surround, voussoirs and carved hood moulding. Pointed arch door opening to side (south) elevation of tower having tooled limestone surround and voussoirs. Located within own grounds including graveyard with various grave markers, tombs and memorials. Bounded by rubble limestone walls with square-profile gate piers having carved caps and double-leaf cast-iron gates. Stone stile in wall to north.

Despite its ruinous condition this fine Board of First Fruits style church is a striking landmark of the local area. The imposing tower is of particular interest and makes a bold statement within the landscape. Masonry features including cut limestone stringcourse, corbels and window surrounds further enhance the building's appearance. The carved head set into the tower is a noteworthy archaeological feature. The earlier graveyard and stone enclosing walls, complete with stile, add to its setting and context. It formers part of a group with the former rectory and gate lodge to the north-east.