Dromtarriff Medieval Church which had conservation works carried out by Cork County Council recently. Photos: Sean Jefferies Photography

Church and graveyard uncovered and restored

The remains of a medieval church and graveyard in North Cork have been uncovered and restored to safeguard it for the future.

The ancient parish church in the village of Dromtarriffe was in use as a place of worship up until July 1651 when it was burned by Cromwellian soldiers. 24 people lost their lives in the fire, evidence of which is still visible in the shattered stonework today, Cork County Council said as it revealed details about the restoration and its history.

The ruins of this medieval church stand in the centre of an ancient graveyard that was in very poor repair, while the walls of the building were concealed by layers of undergrowth.

Following 2 years of careful conservation works overseen by Cork County Council’s Kanturk Mallow Municipal District, the remaining structures have been uncovered and restored.

Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Danny Collins congratulated all those involved in the project: “The works on Dromtarriffe Church were carried out by an excellent team overseen by the council’s Heritage Unit including Sheen Stonework Ltd, archaeologist Eamon Cotter and experienced conservation engineers David Kelly and Partnership.

“I would like to commend the entire team who worked so diligently to safeguard this historic site, securing its future for the benefit of the local community, visitors to the area and history enthusiasts even further afield.”

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey highlighted the value of the scheme: “The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Community Monuments Fund (CMF) has been in operation for 3 years and in this time has funded many conservation and maintenance projects to protect and promote archaeological monuments across the county.

“I would encourage communities who wish to carry out works to conserve, maintain and safeguard local monuments and historic sites such as Dromtarriffe to consider an application to this year’s fund.”

Details of the 2023 Community Monuments Fund are available on Cork County Council at Corkcoco.ie. The closing date for submissions to this year’s fund is 31 January.