Carran Church, Poulacarran, Clare

Poulacarran

Carran Medieval Church

It only takes one glance at this church to realise you are in the Burren. The church was constucted using rough local limestone blocks, which are typical for most of the buildings in this region, Corcomroe Abbey, Caherdoonerish and the churches at Noughaval and Temple Cronan are just a few examples. There were two phases of construction, the first being late 12th or early 13th century and the second phase came in the 15th century, when it appears to have been fortified. During the second period a machicolation was added to the north west corner of the church, see bottom image, and a wall-walk was also added.

There is a pointed arched doorway in the south wall, shown in image above, with hood moulding and three orders. Look for a hanging eye in the west side and a draw-bar slot on the east side. There is also an incised cross on the west jamb. Inside the church there were three head carvings, a king, a female and a soldier or knight, unfortunately the first two are now missing. The soldier, pictured below right, is wearing an open bascinet or bassinet, a medieval helmut that covered the ears and offered protection to the head. Early bascinets, late 13th/early 14th century, were worn with a mail curtain or camail that was attached to the lower part of the helmet to protect the neck and shoulders.

Poulacarran Carran Medieval Church It only takes one glance at this church to realise you are in the Burren. The church was constucted using rough local limestone blocks, which are typical for most of the buildings in this region, Corcomroe Abbey, Caherdoonerish and the churches at Noughaval and Temple Cronan are just a few examples. There were two phases of construction, the first being late 12th or early 13th century and the second phase came in the 15th century, when it appears to have been fortified. During the second period a machicolation was added to the north west corner of the church, see bottom image, and a wall-walk was also added. There is a pointed arched doorway in the south wall, shown in image above, with hood moulding and three orders. Look for a hanging eye in the west side and a draw-bar slot on the east side. There is also an incised cross on the west jamb. Inside the church there were three head carvings, a king, a female and a soldier or knight, unfortunately the first two are now missing. The soldier, pictured below right, is wearing an open bascinet or bassinet, a medieval helmut that covered the ears and offered protection to the head. Early bascinets, late 13th/early 14th century, were worn with a mail curtain or camail that was attached to the lower part of the helmet to protect the neck and shoulders.
12th/13th century east window	Soldier/knight with pointed bascinet

Situated: From Ballyvaughan head south on the N67. After 1.6 kilometres turn left onto the R480. Go 10.5 kilometres the church can be seen on your left. A small gate about 50 metres, after the private farm gate, leads to the church. Discovery Map 51: R 24004 97393. Last visit Mar 2023. Longitude: 9° 08' 00.2" W Latitude: 53° 01' 19.4" N Google Map Photos: José Gutieréz.