Killulta Church

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Killulta Church
Kildimo Church
Cill Ulta
Killulta Church,Limerick.jpg
Ireland relief location map.png
Red pog.svg
Killulta Church
52°37′44″N8°50′10″W / 52.6290°N 8.8360°W / 52.6290; -8.8360 Coordinates: 52°37′44″N8°50′10″W / 52.6290°N 8.8360°W / 52.6290; -8.8360
LocationGlennameade, Kildimo, County Limerick
CountryIreland
Denomination Catholic (pre-Reformation)
History
Dedication Saint Ultan (?)
Architecture
Functional statusinactive
Style Celtic
Years built9th century AD?
Specifications
Length5 m (16 ft)
Width5 m (16 ft)
Nave width3 m (9.8 ft)
Number of floors1
Floor area15 m2 (160 sq ft)
Materials stone, mortar
Administration
Diocese Limerick
Designations
Official nameKillulta Church
Reference no.341

Killulta Church is a medieval church and a National Monument in County Limerick, Ireland. [1]

Contents

Location

The church is located 1.6 kilometres (0.99 mi) west-northwest of Kildimo village, in the western part of the Maigue valley, southwest of Dromore Lough and Bleach Lough. [2]

History

Killulta church is believed to be one of the oldest stone churches in Ireland. [3]

Samuel Lewis incorrectly claimed it was built by the Knights Templar in 1290. However, others date the church to pre-1100, even as early as the 5th century AD. Most scholars date it to the 9th century.[ citation needed ]

Local historian Mairtín Ó Corrbhuí records that a bronze pin and bronze sword were found near the church.[ citation needed ]

The name is believed to mean "church of the Ulsterman" or "church of Saint Ultan." [4]

It was also known as Kellallathan (cealla leathan, "broad church"). [5] [6]

Church

Another view of the building Killulta Church Ruins, Limerick.jpg
Another view of the building

Killulta measures 5 × 3 metres on the inside, with walls 1 metre thick. It is constructed of large stones and has a plain doorway and triangular-headed east window. [7] [8]

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References

  1. "Limerick City and County Museum". museum.limerick.ie.
  2. Begley, John (7 July 2017). "The Diocese of Limerick, Ancient and Medieval". Browne & Nolan via Google Books.
  3. "Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy: Biological, geological and chemical science. Section B." The Academy. 7 July 2017 via Google Books.
  4. "Kildimo-Pallaskenry Church Ruins". www.limerickdioceseheritage.org.
  5. MacCotter, Paul. "Parish, pastoral care and tuath in the diocese of Limerick". Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland.
  6. MacCaffrey, James (7 July 2017). "The Black Book of Limerick: With Introduction and Notes". M. H. Gill & Son via Google Books.
  7. Leask, Harold Graham (7 July 2017). "Irish Churches and Monastic Buildings". Dundalgan Press via Google Books.
  8. Publications, Robert Nicholson (7 July 1983). Nicholson's Guide to Ireland. R. Nicholson Publications. ISBN   9780905522715 via Google Books.