Cloonmorris
12th Century Church, Ogham Stone and Bullaun
According to Michael Moore this may be the site of an early Christian monastery established by Saint Bréanainn of Edercloon. The ruin of a 12th century medieval church, an even early ogham stone, and a large bullaun stone are present at the site today. It is believed the church may have served as a Chapel-of-Ease to the Augustinian Priory of Mohill. The rectangular church is roughly 14 metres long by 8 metres wide. Only three walls now remain, the west wall is missing. There is a single light pointed window in the east wall, pictured below, and a single round-headed window in the south wall. The lower part of the dooway in the north wall is original but the pointed head is a 15th century insert.
Doorway with insert
From the south-east
The ogham stone standing in the graveyard at Cloonmorris was discovered in 1908 and in 1978 was moved to its present position. The inscription is fading and some of the letters have been defaced. There are several interpretations of the inscription, Harbison suggests the original inscription may have read
'GATTAGNI MAQI MUCOI QENUVENDI' The light was not favourable on this visit so the letters are not clearly visible.
Situated on a small pedestal inside the church is the large, half metre long, bullaun stone pictured below. I believe the is a bullaun also present on the underside. It may have been used as a holy water font. At present the bullaun contains a number of rusty coins, these were probably votive offerings.
Situated: From Longford take the N4 North to Newtown Forbes go through the town and after about 3 miles you should see a right turn for Cloonmorris (sign-posted) drive down this road for 1/2 mile, the church is situated on your right.
Discovery Map 33: N 0825 8527. Last visit May 2022.
Longitude: 7° 52' 29" W
Latitude: 53° 49' 1" N
Photos: José Gutierrez
