Annagh Medieval Church, Kerry

Annagh / Eanach an Ambrósaigh

Medieval Church possibly late 12th century

This medieval church is situated in Annagh or in Irish Eanach an Ambrósaigh meaning 'the marsh of Ambrose' an Anglo-Norman surname. The church of 'Hanagh' was mentioned in the 1306 Papal Taxation and was also mentioned in a papal letter in 1418. In 1601, a William Ambrose of Annagh was granted a Royal pardon from Queen Elizabeth. By the early 17th century the church was in a ruined state.

The rectangular building is approximately 18 metres in length and 6.5 metres wide. The walls were built from local limestone with red sandstone used on the doors and windows. The window in the east gable is now missing, see bottom image, as is the west window. The finest feature of the church is the pointed gothic doorway in the south wall. A large number of architectural fragments can also be found lying around the site, more have been built into the partially reconstructed west gable. Built into the exterior of the south wall is the small cross slab pictured below right and a carving of a man on horseback, see below, can be located on the interior wall, next to the doorway.

Annagh / Eanach an Ambrósaigh Medieval Church possibly late 12th century This medieval church is situated in Annagh or in Irish Eanach an Ambrósaigh meaning 'the marsh of Ambrose' an Anglo-Norman surname. The church of 'Hanagh' was mentioned in the 1306 Papal Taxation and was also mentioned in a papal letter in 1418. In 1601, a William Ambrose of Annagh was granted a Royal pardon from Queen Elizabeth. By the early 17th century the church was in a ruined state. The rectangular building is approximately 18 metres in length and 6.5 metres wide. The walls were built from local limestone with red sandstone used on the doors and windows. The window in the east gable is now missing, see bottom image, as is the west window. The finest feature of the church is the pointed gothic doorway in the south wall. A large number of architectural fragments can also be found lying around the site, more have been built into the partially reconstructed west gable. Built into the exterior of the south wall is the small cross slab pictured below right and a carving of a man on horseback, see below, can be located on the interior wall, next to the doorway.

Harbison described the carving as 'a knight on horseback, wearing a surcoat' a loose coat with insignia to identify which side the knight was on. He also suggested it is a Norman knight because he is using stirrups, native Irishmen did not use them. The knight is brandishing a sword as though leading an attack. Because of the anatomical proportions, Harbison also suggested the carving was of poor-quality and maybe a very provincial piece of work. According to the late Tim Scanlon, Tralee, the horseman was found at Galvin's Bridge, Annagh, in about 1820. Taken from Archaeology.ie.
Situated: From Tralee take the N86 west towards the Dingle peninsula. Annagh Burial ground is 4.2 Kilometres down this road on your right handside, signposted. Discovery Map 71: Q 8021 1216. Last visit July 2021. Longitude: 9° 45' 17.2" W Latitude: 52° 14' 54.4" N Google Map Photos: José Gutiérrez.
Ref: Annagh Church \| Heritage Ireland and Archaeology.ie