As previously mentioned Castledermot began
its life as an early Christian monastic settlement back around 500 A.D. This
small town situated on the river Lerr, really is a fantastic gem of a find with many
wonderful historical ruins to explore. There is the Abbey, a Hibernian-Romanesque arch, a
10th century round tower, two 9th century high crosses and a number of ancient
stones and grave slabs. I have decided to post each one separately.
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Romanesque Archway |
Just a short walk from the main street up a
gorgeous tree lined avenue lies the site of the Church of Ireland St.
James’s, and the location of many of the
items to be found in Castledermot. St.
James Church lies on the site of an ancient monastery which is said to have
been founded back around 800AD by the father of St. Diarmuid from which the
town takes its name. The monastery was
like many others across Ireland was raided by plundering Vikings in the 9th
century but is believed to have continued to function for at least another 300
years.
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Rear of Archway |
Unfortunately all that remains of this early monastic settlement is the lovely reconstruction of a Romanesque doorway
which came from a church that has long since disappeared, A 10th century Round tower, two
High Crosses with the remains of possibly a third and a number of ancient
stones and grave slabs.With Large chevron designs resting on very eroded
capitals. The Pillars of the archway are very plain and rounded. The arched
doorway on the current Protestant church is of similar design which I taught
complemented each other nicely.The Archway is the first thing you will see
inside the walls of the churchyard, standing on its own, it truly is a wonderful
feature.
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