Located on the junction of Tempelogue & Wellington Lane, adjacent the Spawell complex there lies the ruins of a medieval church and burial ground known asTeach Mealóg.The old church grounds are beside a modern cemetery. I had only recently noticed this even though I would have passed it many times over the years. Said to have been built in 1273AD, to replace the earlier chapel of Kilmesantan which had become inaccessible due the deteriorating security of the Lordship of Ireland. This new church dedicated to St Mel or Melog, provides the meaning of the Irish translation of Templeogue: ‘Teach Mealóg.
There is mention in the Book of Lecan, of MolcaetigiMolocal and in later 13th century documents it is referred to as Tachmelog (St. Melog’s house or church). Whilst no part of the church can be dated to the time of the original monastery,it is suggested that part of the structure may predate the Norman Invasion of Ireland. Archbishop Alan was recorded in his “RepertoriumViride, stating ” that the church was a chapel appendant to the church of Kilmesantan without the marches or pale; that it was built on the hither side of the Dodder, as being a safe place to hear divine service in during times of war; and that from its late erection it had the name of Templeogue, which signifies “New Church,” given to it.
The Talbot family whom resided in Templeogue House and owned most of the lands in the area were presumably not interested in maintaining what had become an Anglican church after the Reformation.By 1615AD the church was said to have been in a ruinious state. There are a number of interesting gravestones within the grounds and whilst most date from the 18th century there are a small number of stones which are from the medieval period or even earlier,these include three early cross-inscribed slabs one of which is deeply sunk within the church. The ruin is in relatively good condition with recent signs of the overgrowth being cleared.
The ruins consist of an Eastern facing gable which looks to be complete and contains a late splayed window. Only parts of the North and South walls remain. The south wall has a distinct kink about half way along with a buttress outside. The western end appears to have an entrance with steps leading up to it, this section looks like it may predate the other parts of the church. I am guessing here but even though this doorway may not be the original, a doorway in such a position would indicate an early date for this part of the church. The west wall is about 1 metre high, but has a buttress built against it nearly 5 metres high which must have been erected before the wall fell.
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What a wonderful place – I love the big old yew trees and the cross-engraved stones.
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Hello Ed, good to see you back with excellent material. I lived in Templeogue for a long time and I never knew this church existed. Thanks for sharing
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Cheerss Noel, I did’nt know about it either until a few weeks ago. I must have passed it a million times over the years. 🙂
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Ed, I must have done the same !! Amazing .. I know there is an old graveyard there .. or was when I lived there .. but I think it was only 20th Century one
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These photographs are so subtle yet dramatic. I love them all, but in particular the 7th one in. The history behind the burial ground is fascinating. We have nothing to come near that age in the US … well, of course we have sacred Native American grounds but the early settlers did their best to destroy those.
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As yes, there are still a few native sites left. If I every finish my ruin hunting in Ireland I would love to try the states 🙂
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a great set of photographs I like them all, wish you a “good eye” to next shots
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Many Thanks, so glad you enjoyed them, 🙂
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Stunning photos!
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wonderful pictures dear
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Those are amazing photos! The trees are very interesting looking in black and white.
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Thank you Nia, much appreciated, 🙂
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Pingback: A blogger award for my birthday! | Nia Simone, Author
I nominated you for the Inspiring Blogger Award today at niasimoneauthor.com.
Thanks for the blog and for the support!
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Thanks Nia, much appreciated, 🙂
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Stunning! I love the effect of photography of ruins in black & white. I’ll have to try that one day.
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Do its great fun to do, you just never know what will work before you convert, unless of course you shoot in mono. But that is part of the fun 🙂
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Thanks for visiting my blog! Your photography is attractive, and has a sublime quality.
Looking forward to see more of your work!
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Thank you, so glad that you enjoyed them 🙂
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Pingback: 2013 My Photo-Blog Adventure | EdMooneyPhotography
Great site and full of interesting items – I’ll be back!
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Thank you Donna, 🙂
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