Inishcealtra

St Caimin's Church

The first church you see as you approach the round tower is the only roofed church on the island - St Caimin's. It is reputed that Brian Boru had the church nave built in the 10th century. In the 12th century the original trabeated entrance was replaced with a romanesque doorway. At the same time a chancel was built onto the eastern gable and a chancel arch was inserted into the east gable of the nave. The chancel is often referred to as St Colum's church. By the late 19th century the chancel and part of the west wall had fallen. They were re-built by the O.P.W. with a three order doorway built into the west gable and the present roof was added. Later during excavations in the late 20th century the doorway was re-built with four orders.

There are the remains of 4 high crosses and a number of cross slabs located inside the nave. Unfortunately we had no access as the caretaker was not present during our visit.

Romanesque doorway

Replaced capitals

Cross slabs and high cross inside the nave

High cross head extreme right and some more cross slabs

Decorated window