Wells Medieval Church, Carlow

Wells

13th century medieval church

We began our last day in Carlow by stopping at this lovely medieval parish church that was only metres away from our comfortable B&B. The ruins date to the mid 13th Century but there has been a lot of restoration in more recent times. We were impressed the simplicity of the design, from the granite ashlar quoin stones to the simple belfry in the gable wall. The limestone rubble church is surprisingly large. The roofless structure consists of a complete south wall, most of the east wall, and a reconstructed north wall. A rope from the bell to the ground may still be used to ring the bell. There is also a piscina and a nice simple doorway with stoup built into the south wall of the chancel.

The beautifully maintained enclosed graveyard is still in use today. Our visit to this very peaceful place was a beautiful way to start our last day in Carlow.

Wells 13th century medieval church We began our last day in Carlow by stopping at this lovely medieval parish church that was only metres away from our comfortable B&B. The ruins date to the mid 13th Century but there has been a lot of restoration in more recent times. We were impressed the simplicity of the design, from the granite ashlar quoin stones to the simple belfry in the gable wall. The limestone rubble church is surprisingly large. The roofless structure consists of a complete south wall, most of the east wall, and a reconstructed north wall. A rope from the bell to the ground may still be used to ring the bell. There is also a piscina and a nice simple doorway with stoup built into the south wall of the chancel. The beautifully maintained enclosed graveyard is still in use today. Our visit to this very peaceful place was a beautiful way to start our last day in Carlow.
Piscina	The chancel

Situated: Very Easy. From Bagnelstown in Carlow take the R724 west. At the T-Junction take a left onto the N10. After about 1 kilometre there is a left turn. . Before the turn there is a small pull in area at a gate next to a B&B. The Church is along a track through this gate. Discovery Map 61: S 682 608. Last visit March 2011. Longitude: 6° 59' 26" W Latitude: 52° 41' 41" N Google Map Photos: Jim Dempsey and Deb Snelson.