churches historical galway

Situated 3km north-west of Kilmurvey, the miscalled - Seven Churches - mark an ancient site dedicated to Saint Breacan. The name is loosely applied to the remains of two small churches, Teampall Bhreacain and Teampaill an Phoill. Close to the churches, on the south-west, is Leaba an Spioraid Naoimh (bed of the Holy Spirit), a penitential station with fragments of a figured high cross. Nearby, to the south-east, is Leaba Bhreacain, another station.

To the north of Leaba an Spioraid Naoi...

Teallach Eanna situated slightly east of the village of Cinn Eanna (Killeany) is regarded as the holiest place on Aran, with, according to tradition, the graves of 1200 saints.

All that remains here is a small early church, and the shaft of a finely-carved high cross. A few yards to the north-west of the doorway is a leac or flagstone, which is said to cover the grave of Saint Eanna....

Teampall Beanan (Temple Benan) near Arkin Castle and higher up, prominently silhouetted on the skyline, is the small church of Saint Benan dating from early Christian times....

The name may mean - church of the Canons - or may refer to St Gregory Cheannfhionnadh (the - fair-headed - ). St Gregory's name is also commemorated in Sundra Ghriora, Gregory's Sound, the channel between Inis Meain and Inis Mor. The church is a typical 8th-9th century stone building, and is complete except for the roof, which must have been wood-framed. It is surrounded by grave slabs and it was here that the island buried its people until fifty years ago....

A short distance to the south-west of kilmurvey village are an early cross pillar, Tobar Mac Duach (Holy Well) with a fragment of an enclosing cashel and a Transitional Period church. Both Church and well are dedicated to Sain Collman Mac Duach....

This is a 12th century church half buried in sand-dunes on the Southern end of the island, surrounded by a graveyard said to contain the remains of 120 saints....