Templebryan

Stone Circle & Ecclesiastical Enclosure

  The Stone Circle and the Ecclesiastical Enclosure can be found on the Murphy farm,in the townland of Templebryan North, near Shannonvale. (Templebryan comes from the Irish; Teampall na mBrianach - Church of the O'Briens)
Click the link to view a map of the old Civil Parishes

Stone Circle:
The Stone Circle dates back to around 1200 B.C. and consisted of 9 stones ringed around a central Quartz stone. Unfortunately 4 of the ringed stones were removed over the years, but you can see from the diagram how they were used to map the Sun and possibly work out seasons, time etc.

The remains of a Fulacht Fia - (ancient cooking place) can be found close to the Stone Circle. A reconstructed model can be seen at Lios na gCon Ringfort near Darrara College, Clonakilty.

Ecclesiastical Enclosure:
The Ecclesiastical Enclosure consists of a circular area of about 4 acres with a rectangular enclosure in the centre and within this central enclosure are the foundations of a Church, a Graveyard, a Pillar stone and Bullaun basin.

The circular fort was originally a moated structure with double outer banks. Like many ancient sites of worship,this structure was taken over by the Christian faith,a small stone built church and graveyard were added in the centre and the outer wall of the fort removed. The 11 foot Pillar Stone with traces of Ogham inscription on the corners and also an early Christian cross which dates the Christian envolvment with the site to around 600 AD. The Bullaun Stone, a basin like stone object was believed to have the power to cure warts. Outside the enclosure are the remains of a Holy Well, known as Tobernacilla - Well of the church. Two Souterrains - underground passages - are also contained in the enclosure and some Rock Art to the north east.

The Bishop of Clogher, referred to the Templebryan Stone Circle as "An Ancient Heathen Temple" during a visit to the area in 1743

Aerial photo of Ecclesiastical Enclosure
Aerial view of the Enclosure showing the
rectangular Church & Graveyard

within the older circular fort

.
Stone Circle as it now is
Templebryan Stone Circle, showing the remaining
5 Standing
stones around the central Quartz stone

Pillar Stone & Bullane Basin
11 foot high Pillar Stone with Ogham inscription and Early Christian (Patee) Cross. Also Bullane Basin (Stone Font)

Back to Shannon Vale Mill

 

Layout of stones in Stone Circle
Click on the image above to view enlarged version.



Map of Ecclesiastical Enclosure
Click on the image above to view enlarged version.



Ancient Heathen Temple 1743
Click on the image above to view enlarged version.


McAlister in 1947
MacAlister (archaeologist) in 1947