Ballyorley Upper

Stone Cross

This 18th century Latin cross stands on top of a roadside bank in the townland of Ballyorley Upper. It is not a wayside cross but is believed to have been moved to it's present position, from a church site 200 metres to the north. It is a constant reminder of the historical remains that lie nearby. As well as the church site there are the grass covered remains of a 16th century building, situated in the centre of an ecclesiastic enclosure. This structure may have housed the 16th century O'Doran law-school. The O'Dorans were hereditary lawyers to the MacMurrough Kavanaghs and the FitzPatrick lords of Upper Ossary. In the field behind the granite cross is a castle-ringwork, see image below. The shrub covered circular earthen bank has the appearance of a norman motte.