Killiney / Cill Éinne

Stone Cross, Church and Tower

Killiney Church and tower are located behind the modern C of I Church of Our Saviour at the base of the Magharees peninsula. Standing against the south wall of the modern church is the rather impressive 2.86 metre high x 0.49 metre wide stone cross. The cross is made from sandstone and although quite crude looking at a glance, with closer inspection you will note that the cross has hollowed angles and has been dressed to a smooth finish on all sides. It is believed there may have been an Early Christian foundation located at this site and the cross is probably all that remains from that early period. I love this cross, it is a stunning example of a plain Early Christian High Cross and reminds me of the stone cross at Adamstown in County Wexford. Further south in the graveyard are the remains of a medieval church and an ivy covered residential tower. See below for more information

Medieval Church and Tower

The 13th century medieval church, which was almost entirely rebuilt in the 15th/16th century is in very poor condition. The east gable, pictured above, and parts of the north and south walls remain to full height. There is a single light (Window) in the east gable. A residential tower was added to the southeast corner church in the 16th century. There are two storeys remaining but these are in very poor condition and completely covered with ivy. A bullaun stone was discovered built into the wall of the churchyard is now on display in the grounds of the Roman Catholic Church in Castlegregory. Although the Church and tower are in a poor condition I would still recommend a visit to see the impressive cross.