Saul

Mortuary House/Tomb Shrine

It is said that St Patrick built a barn here in Saul (from Irish: Sabhall phádraig meaning Patrick's barn) which he used to hold services. There is a replica Church built on the site. In the old graveyard to the north of the Church is a small gabled building similar to the mortuary houses at Banagher, Bovevagh and Cooley in County Donegal. They were built to house the remains or relics of saints or a revered founder. There are probably only five examples of these mortuary houses in Ireland, so to find the building covered in vegetation on my first was quite shocking. I hope something is done to clear the structure before any serious damage is done. Since my previous visit to Saul, José visited the site in 2022. I am delighted to see the monument has been cleared of the vegetation. Close by is St Patrick's Well on Mearne Road.