Loughlinisland Churches

Now reached by a causeway, this atmospheric graveyard was originally on an island in the lake. A remarkable group of three ruined churches stands in the large graveyard overlooking the lake. The earliest recorded reference is to a parish church here in 1302–1306. The Middle Church is the oldest, probably of the 13th century, with a draw-bar hole to secure the south door. The large North Church was built in the 15thcentury, probably to replace the Middle Church, and continued in use until 1720. Smallest and latest is the South (MacCartan’s) Church. It had a two-light east window with pointed heads, and the west door is carved with the date 1636 and the initials PMC for Phelim MacCartan. The MacCartans had one of their chief seats near the lake and this was probably their principal burial ground.

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