Reg No
22103015
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Archaeological, Architectural, Artistic, Social
Previous Name
Saint Mary's Church (Killenaule)
Original Use
Church/chapel
In Use As
Heritage centre/interpretative centre
Date
1835 - 1845
Coordinates
222279, 146326
Date Recorded
05/05/2005
Date Updated
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Detached Church of Ireland church, built 1838-40 on site of medieval church, with three-bay nave elevations and pitched entrance porch to west with recent lean-to extension. Closed 1991 and now in use as heritage centre and library. Pitched slate roof with terracotta ridge tiles and cut limestone coping and eaves course. Carved limestone finial to east gable terminating in corbel, and chamfered cut limestone bellcote to west gable. Rubble sandstone walls with dressed limestone buttresses to west gable, dressed limestone plinth course, and having recessed cross above east window. Openings have chamfered cut limestone block-and-start surrounds and have hood-mouldings. Lancet windows to nave and porch having replacement leaded glazing. Triple lancet window with stained glass set under continuous hood-moulding to east elevation, flanked by single lancet windows. Four-centred arch doorway to north side of porch, with timber battened door and dressed limestone surround. Pointed segmental doorway to east end of north wall, with replacement door. Timber truss roof to interior and gallery to west now enclosed. Upstanding and recumbent headstones to graveyard. Rock-faced limestone piers and boundary walls having wrought-iron entrance gates and railings to front of site.
Located on the highest point of a gentle slope this former Church of Ireland church contributes significantly to the architectural heritage of Killenaule. The random sandstone used in its wall construction contrasts with the more finely dressed limestone used in the window and door surrounds. This contrasting use of materials along with the stained glass of the east window add artistic interest, enlivening the building. The surrounding graveyard, with carved grave markers, boundary walls and wrought-iron gates, contribute to the setting.