Overview
Nestled among the rolling southern foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, the civil parish of Preban offers a rare glimpse into rural Irish heritage. The heart of the attraction is the Preban Graveyard, a historic burial ground that has served the surrounding townlands of Kilballyowen, Tomcoyle, Tankersley and Ballinglen for generations. Overlooking the peaks of Lugnaquilla and Keadeen, the graveyard sits in a landscape of gentle slopes, ancient laurel trees and stone‑lined ditches, creating a contemplative atmosphere that feels both timeless and intimate.
A short walk from the graveyard is the Church of Ireland building dedicated to Saint John, erected in 1827 in the neighbouring townland of Tomcoyle. Listed as a protected structure by Wicklow County Council, the modest stone church remains an active part of the Tinahely‑Carnew parish and adds an architectural anchor to the otherwise natural setting.
History
The origins of Preban’s burial ground stretch back to the medieval period, with the Record of Monuments and Places noting an ecclesiastical enclosure, a ruined church and a surrounding graveyard. Over the centuries the site accumulated the remains of ordinary villagers, rebels, famine emigrants and a few notable local families.
During the 20th century the graveyard fell into neglect. By the 1990s much of the area was choked by laurel trees, brambles and overgrown ditches, and only 71 interments were recorded between 1937 and 2012 – less than one per year. In 2010 a small group of neighbours formed a restoration committee, secured permission from Wicklow County Council and began a painstaking clearance. Volunteers equipped with saws, axes and a tractor removed years of vegetation, uncovering a treasure trove of 18th‑century graves that had not been seen for half a century.
The clean‑up revealed headstones dating back to the 1740s, with the oldest legible stone marked 1738. Over 130 graves were transcribed, documenting 288 individuals – 188 men and 100 women. The most common surnames are Byrne (64), Kavanagh (26), O’Toole (21) and Mulhall (7), while the most frequent given names include James (30), Mary (24) and John (24). These records have been compiled into downloadable PDFs that provide a valuable resource for genealogists and history enthusiasts.
The restoration effort was bolstered by support from the Forestry Afforestation Service (FAS), local parish collections and a dedicated team of volunteers who continue to keep the grass trimmed and the ditches clear. Their work has turned the graveyard into a living archive, where each stone tells a story of the people who once called the Wicklow foothills home.
What to See & Do
- Explore the restored graveyard – Follow the winding paths between the laurel‑lined rows of headstones. Early‑morning light often brings out the subtle carvings on the 18th‑century stones.
- Read the transcribed records – On‑site information boards direct visitors to downloadable PDFs hosted by Wicklow Heritage. The documents list names, dates and family connections, making it easy to locate ancestors or simply appreciate the demographic snapshot of a small Irish community.
- Visit Saint John’s Church – The 1827 stone church, still in use, offers a quiet interior with simple Georgian‑style windows and a modest bell tower. Its protected‑structure status ensures the building’s historic fabric is preserved.
- Take in the scenery – The graveyard’s position between Croghan Kinsella to the east and the towering peaks of Lugnaquilla and Keadeen to the south and west provides spectacular vistas. Photographers will appreciate the interplay of light on the stone monuments.
- Listen to the story – The Irish History Podcast series “Preban – A Living Graveyard” (seven‑part audio journey) delves into the 1798 rebellion, medieval origins, holy‑well rituals and the tragic Mulhall family avalanche. It can be enjoyed before or after a visit.
| Common Surnames (count) | Common Christian Names (men) | Common Christian Names (women) |
|---|---|---|
| Byrne – 64 | James – 30 | Mary – 24 |
| Kavanagh – 26 | John – 24 | Margaret – 14 |
| O’Toole – 21 | Thomas – 15 | Catherine – 10 |
| Mulhall – 7 | Patrick – 13 | Elizabeth – 10 |
| Malone – 7 | Michael – 12 | Bridget – 8 |
Getting There
- By car: The site is accessed via the R747, then a series of well‑signposted minor lanes from either Tinahely or Carnew. A small free car park sits just off the local road near the graveyard entrance.
- Public transport: The nearest bus stops are in Tinahely (Bus Éireann route 133) and Carnew (route 132). From either stop, a short taxi ride or a 15‑minute walk on rural roads will bring you to the graveyard.
- Walking & cycling: The surrounding countryside is popular with walkers and cyclists. The gentle gradients make the approach suitable for most fitness levels, though the paths themselves are compacted earth and can be uneven.
Nearby Attractions
While you’re in the area, consider adding one or two of these nearby sites to your itinerary:
- Avondale Forest Park and House – A short 15‑minute drive north brings you to the historic home of Charles Stewart Parnell, set within extensive woodlands and walking trails. [/avondale/]
- Carnew Castle – The ruins of this 15th‑century tower house overlook the River Derry and offer a glimpse into medieval life in Wicklow. [/carnew-castle/]
- Baltinglass Abbey – A well‑preserved Cistercian abbey with a tranquil cloister garden, located about 20 km west of Preban.
Practical Information
- Ownership & access: Owned by Wicklow County Council and open year‑round. No formal opening hours, but daylight is recommended for reading inscriptions.
- Admission: Free entry.
- Parking: Small free car park off the local road near the graveyard entrance.
- Facilities: No on‑site café or restroom facilities; plan accordingly.
- Accessibility: Main pathways are compacted earth and may be uneven. Suitable for visitors comfortable with moderate walking on natural surfaces.
- Further resources:
- Detailed graveyard information and downloadable transcription PDFs are available on the Wicklow Heritage site (link currently unavailable – needs verification).
- PDF downloads:
- Preban Cemetery Graves – O’Byrne (6 MB)
- Preban Grave Index 2019 (102 KB)
- Ciaran O’Byrne’s Updated Index (6 MB)
- Podcast series: “Preban – A Living Graveyard” – Irish History Podcast.