In the St. Nicholas' cemetery, north of Castlelyons, there are some interesting monuments. There are the ruins of a 14th century church which still retains part of the bell tower. All the windows have been walled up. But what is very intriguing and unique is the presence of a more recent church inside the old church, a kind of Matryoshka. The inner church is a Church of Ireland building built in 1771 with a nice east window which had belonged to the outer church. The inner church is not accessible, but from the east window a Gothic archway is visible. This archway would separate the chancel from the nave. These two buildings are aligned to the east (100°). South of the churches is a square and massive building, an 18th century mausoleum to the Peard family, originally from Devonshire, and once landlords in this area. The surrounding graveyard boasts many beautiful grave slabs dating back to the end of the 17th century.
Unfortunately we had to make it quick because while we were in the graveyard the heavy rain was back and we had to run to our car.
|