Overview
Tucked into the southern foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, the civil parish of Preban is a quiet corner of rural Ireland where history remains close to the surface. The focal point for visitors is the Preban Graveyard, a historic burial ground that has served the surrounding townlands of Kilballyowen, Tomcoyle, Tankersley and Ballinglen for centuries. Overlooking the slopes that lead toward Lugnaquilla and Keadeen, the site sits in a landscape of gentle gradients, mature laurel trees and dry-stone boundaries. It is a place that rewards a slow, reflective pace.
A short walk from the graveyard stands the local Church of Ireland, dedicated to Saint John and built in 1827 in the 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. Its simple Georgian lines and bell tower provide a steady architectural counterpoint to the wilder, tree-lined burial ground nearby.
History & Restoration
The burial ground’s roots reach back to the medieval period, with early records noting an ecclesiastical enclosure and a ruined church on the site. Over the centuries it became the final resting place for local farmers, labourers, and families whose names still appear on the weathered stones. By the late 20th century, however, the graveyard had been largely reclaimed by nature. Dense laurel, brambles and overgrown drainage ditches obscured most of the memorials, and visitor access was practically impossible.
In 2010, a local restoration committee took on the task of clearing the site. With permission from Wicklow County Council and support from local forestry services, volunteers began the slow work of cutting back decades of vegetation. The effort quickly paid off: beneath the thick undergrowth lay a dense concentration of 18th-century headstones that had been hidden for generations. The oldest legible stone dates to 1738, and the clearance revealed well over a hundred marked graves.
Local historians and volunteers transcribed the inscriptions, creating a detailed record of the community buried here. The most common surnames include Byrne, Kavanagh, O’Toole and Mulhall, while names like James, Mary, John and Margaret dominate the given names. These transcriptions are now available as downloadable PDFs, offering genealogists and local history enthusiasts a tangible connection to the people who once worked and lived in these foothills.
What to See & Do
- Walk the restored paths – The volunteer clearance created clear routes through the laurel-lined rows. Early morning or late afternoon light brings out the texture of the sandstone headstones and makes inscriptions easier to read.
- Explore the genealogical records – Information boards on site direct visitors to the transcribed grave indexes. If you are tracing family roots in south Wicklow, these documents provide dates, relationships and a snapshot of 18th- and 19th-century local life.
- Visit Saint John’s Church – The 1827 building is open for quiet visits. Its protected-structure status means the original stonework, window tracery and modest interior fittings remain intact.
- Take in the mountain views – The graveyard’s position offers unbroken sightlines across the southern foothills. On clear days, the ridges of Croghan Kinsella and the higher peaks of the Wicklow range provide a dramatic backdrop for photography.
Getting There & Practical Information
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By car – Access is via the R747, followed by well-signposted minor lanes from either Tinahely or Carnew. A small, free car park is located just off the local road near the graveyard entrance.
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Public transport – The nearest bus stops are in Tinahely and Carnew. From there, a short taxi ride or a walk along rural roads will bring you to the site.
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Walking & cycling – The surrounding lanes are popular with local walkers and cyclists. The approach is on compacted earth and gravel, so sturdy footwear is advisable, especially after rain.
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Admission – Free entry.
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Opening hours – Open year-round. No formal gates or closing times, but daylight is strongly recommended for reading inscriptions and navigating the paths safely.
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Facilities – There are no on-site cafés, shops or toilets. Plan to bring water and supplies from Tinahely or Carnew.
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Accessibility – The main routes are compacted earth and can be uneven. The site is best suited to visitors comfortable with moderate walking on natural surfaces.
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Further resources – Detailed graveyard information and transcription PDFs can be found through Wicklow Heritage archives.
Nearby Attractions
Preban sits in a historically rich part of south Wicklow, making it easy to combine a visit with other regional stops:
- Avondale Forest Park and House – A 15-minute drive north brings you to the former home of Charles Stewart Parnell, surrounded by mature woodlands and marked walking trails.
- Carnew – The historic village is dominated by a 16th-century tower house, one of the best-preserved examples of medieval defensive architecture in south Wicklow.
- Baltinglass – About 20 km west, this village is home to a well-maintained Cistercian abbey with a peaceful cloister garden and a lively market square.
Allow extra time to wander the lanes between these sites. The back roads through south Wicklow are quiet, often lined with stone walls and native hedgerows, and provide a genuine sense of the county’s rural character.