Hill of Faughart

Map Reference: J059126 (3059, 3126)

Faughart is said to be the native place of St Brigid and the stream and well close to this site were named after her and are still visited by pilgrims today.

The graveyard on the Hill of Faughart contains the ruin of a small nave-and-chancel church. The walls of the nave stand to full height and appear to date from the 12th century. The walls of the chancel are much lower and may be of a later medieval date. The walls of the church are now greatly overgrown and much of the detail is obscured.



An early photograph (1982) of the church



A recent view (2007) of the nave from the chancel



A recent view (2007) of the west doorway

Just outside the SW corner of the church is a plain flat slab which is said to mark the grave of Edward Bruce, who was killled at the Battle of Faughart on October 14 1318



To the west of the church, close to the southern edge of the graveyard is a low rounded mound with a kerb of well-fitting stones. This is believed by some scholars to be the base of a Round Tower.



On top of the mound is a rounded pyramidal cross-base



A short distance further west is a peculiar annular mound which is broken by a portal with a pair of well-matched stones.



View of the portal stones. Unfortunately the long grass hides the detail of the mound.

To the north of the church, near the edge of the graveyard is a holy well with a fine conical cap



Beside it is a large laurel bush which serves as a rag tree.



Along the road, a short distance to the west (J057126) is a motte. It is about 8m high and 15.5m diameter at the top. It is bounded by a ditch except at the east side. The mound has been greatly quarried at the south and south-west. There is still some evidence of a wall on top of the motte.



View of the motte from the south-west