St. Catherine’s Church and Graveyard

Overview

Perched on the edge of the Dublin coastline near Portrane, St. Catherine’s Church and its small walled graveyard offer a quiet portal into eight centuries of Irish history. The present stone church occupies the footprint of an early‑13th‑century medieval parish, and its modest tower, topped with stepped battlements, still dominates the modest plot. From the churchyard you can glimpse Lambay Island on the horizon, making the site a favourite spot for history lovers and photographers alike.

Coordinates: 52.203722, -6.437627 (Google Maps). Use these coordinates to locate the site on a GPS device or mobile map.

Architecture

The surviving tower is a classic example of 15th‑century Irish ecclesiastical design, with its distinctive stepped battlements and two small carved heads set into opposite walls. Recent observations by the Norman Way heritage walk note that the church retains a series of ornate pointed windows and three connected limestone arches that frame the former chancel, hinting at the skill of medieval masons.

A bullaun stone – a shallow stone basin traditionally used for holy water – was uncovered in the ground‑floor of the tower during pre‑lighting excavations. Local folklore claims that rainwater collected in the stone once possessed healing properties, a belief that adds a layer of mythic intrigue to the ruin.

History

The earliest documentary reference to a church on this site appears in the Crede Mihi rolls (1212‑25), confirming that a place of worship existed here during the early thirteenth century. The church was appropriated to the Augustinian priory of St Thomas and later passed into the hands of the Earls of Meath. By 1610 the settlement is marked on Speed’s map of Dublin as “St Cathren church”, described as a rectangular building with a western tower.

The tower that survives today is typical of the 15th‑century Irish ecclesiastical style, with its distinctive stepped battlements. Two small carved heads are set into opposite walls of the tower, a detail that visitors often point out as a reminder of the medieval craftsmanship that once flourished in the area.

A notable feature of the church is its bell, originally cast in 1671 and later recast in 1896. The bell still hangs in the tower, its tone echoing the centuries of worship that have taken place within these walls.

Archaeological work carried out before the installation of modern lighting uncovered a wealth of medieval and post‑medieval pottery, flint, and shell fragments. In 1992 a possible bullaun stone – a shallow stone basin associated with early monastic sites – was identified in the ground floor of the tower. Folklore suggests that such stones were once used by women to ‘cure’ the sick by rolling the stone, adding a layer of mythic intrigue to the site.

Notable Burials

The graveyard contains a range of headstones, from modest 17th‑century markers to more elaborate Victorian monuments. Among the older stones is a medieval grave slab commemorating John Ingram, Canon of Ferns, dated 1304 – one of the earliest surviving memorials on the site.

Later interments include members of the local gentry, such as the Evans family of Portrane Demesne (Hampden, Margaret, George and Sophia). Their monuments provide a glimpse into the social fabric of 18th‑ and 19th‑century Ireland.

What to See & Do

• The Tower and Carved Heads – Walk around the western tower and look up to spot the two small carved heads set into its walls. Their weathered features hint at the hands that shaped them centuries ago.
• Ornate Windows & Limestone Arches – Observe the surviving pointed windows and the three limestone arches that frame the chancel; they are fine examples of medieval stonework.
• The 1671 Bell – While the bell is not rung for regular services, its presence is a tangible link to the 17th‑century parish community.
• Gravestones and Family Monuments – Explore the range of headstones, including the 1304 John Ingram slab and the Evans family monuments.
• Coastal Views – From the edge of the walled graveyard you can enjoy panoramic views across Dublin Bay to Lambay Island, a perfect backdrop for photography, especially at sunrise or sunset.
• Bullaun Stone – Locate the shallow stone basin inside the tower and imagine the ancient rituals that may have taken place there.
• Walking Trail to St Catherine’s Well – Follow the sign‑posted coastal path north of the church to the nearby holy well, a short 10‑minute walk that adds a spiritual dimension to the visit.

Practical Information

St. Catherine’s Church and Graveyard is open to the public year‑round and there is no admission fee. The site is managed by Fingal County Council as part of the Dublin City Council Graveyard Trail, which links several historic burial grounds across the county.

Getting there – The site lies just off the R132, a short drive north of Dublin city centre. Public transport options include the Dublin Bus route 33A, which stops at Portrane. From the bus stop, it is a five‑minute walk north along the road, then a left onto the narrow lane that leads to the walled graveyard.

Nearby Attractions

After exploring the church and graveyard, consider a stroll along the coastal path to the nearby St Catherine’s Well, or continue on to the historic Donabate-Portrane Heritage Trail, which links several archaeological sites and offers further insight into the region’s medieval past.

A short drive north brings you to Ardgillan Castle, whose gardens overlook the sea and provide a pleasant contrast of formal landscaping to the rugged coastline. The coastal village of Balbriggan is also within easy reach, offering additional dining and shopping options.

Further reading – Detailed heritage reports are available from Fingal County Council, including the Donabate‑Portrane Heritage Audit (PDF) and the national historic environment map at Historic Environment Ireland.