St Finian's Church, Myshall, Carlow

Myshall

St Finian's Church and Bullaun Stone

St Finian is said to have founded a church at Myshall in the 6th century. Today in Myshall graveyard stands the ruins of a much later pre-norman Church. There is a beautiful arched granite doorway in the western wall . The church is believed to have been destroyed by Cromwell's troops. Situated in the graveyard west of the doorway is a huge double bullaun stone, pictured below. The two bullauns are located towards the western end of the stone. South of the church is Tobar Bhride Holy Well.

St. Finian (aka Finnian, Fionán, Fionnán) is believed to have been born in Myshall, County Carlow c.470 AD. He was placed under the direction of St Fortchern before moving to Wales where he studied for 30 years. He returned to Ireland and found the church here at Myshall as well as the notable church at Skellig Michael. He then moved to Clonard in County Meath and founded a monastery. From that initial single cell the great monastery of Clonard grew. At it's peak Clonard was believed to have no fewer than 3000 pupils. So great was this school that St Finian was known as the "teacher of the Saints of Ireland" and his students became "the twelve apostles of Ireland". St Finian died at Clonard c.549 AD and was buried there.

Myshall St Finian's Church and Bullaun Stone St Finian is said to have founded a church at Myshall in the 6th century. Today in Myshall graveyard stands the ruins of a much later pre-norman Church. There is a beautiful arched granite doorway in the western wall . The church is believed to have been destroyed by Cromwell's troops. Situated in the graveyard west of the doorway is a huge double bullaun stone, pictured below. The two bullauns are located towards the western end of the stone. South of the church is Tobar Bhride Holy Well. St. Finian (aka Finnian, Fionán, Fionnán) is believed to have been born in Myshall, County Carlow c.470 AD. He was placed under the direction of St Fortchern before moving to Wales where he studied for 30 years. He returned to Ireland and found the church here at Myshall as well as the notable church at Skellig Michael. He then moved to Clonard in County Meath and founded a monastery. From that initial single cell the great monastery of Clonard grew. At it's peak Clonard was believed to have no fewer than 3000 pupils. So great was this school that St Finian was known as the "teacher of the Saints of Ireland" and his students became "the twelve apostles of Ireland". St Finian died at Clonard c.549 AD and was buried there.

Situated: Very Easy. Located in the centre of Myshall. Look for the small graveyard next to the Holy Well . Discovery Map 61: S 824 600. Last visit March 2011. Longitude: 6° 46' 49" W Latitude: 52° 41' 7" N Google Map Photos: Jim Dempsey and Deb Snelson.