The chapel’s most notable features are the five steeples, one at each corner with a larger one resting atop the belfry tower. Surrounded by an overgrown graveyard and a number of ivy clad trees. Sadly the north section has been badly neglected and is completely overgrown, whilst the other three sides are not perfect, you can still manage to wander around quite comfortably. Most of the visible gravestones date from 18th-20th century and are covered in Lichen. I could not find the original Gaelic name, but Feighcullen would seem to mean Cullen’s Wood! Apparently the chapel was built on the site of an early Christian church which no longer exists. It is rumoured that a rather crude baptismal trough which dates from this older church is now housed in the main church in nearby Allen. There is also a story that tells of a saint whom hailed from Feighcullen. Beoan is listed as one of the Irish saints, being a son of Nessan of Feighcullen. It is believed that he came from the Cathaoir Mor clan of Leinster
Feighcullen was designed by the famous architect John Semple, whom would be better known for his work at The Black Church (St. Marys Chapel of Ease) and Monkstown, both in Dublin. Which makes me wonder, was Semple involved in the design of Ballynafagh? Well Semple worked for the Board of First Fruits, a Church of Ireland group whom were also involved in Ballynafagh. The chapel was erected with a gift of £830 and a loan from the Board of First Fruits of £277, not a small sum of money for its time. On top of that it is said to have also received the sum of £248 from another group known as Ecclesiastical Commissioners. And so what we end up with is a stunning five steeple chapel of Gothic design.
The chapel’s most notable features are the five steeples, one at each corner with a larger one resting atop the belfry tower. Surrounded by an overgrown graveyard and a number of ivy clad trees. Sadly the north section has been badly neglected and is completely overgrown, whilst the other three sides are not perfect, you can still manage to wander around quite comfortably. Most of the visible gravestones date from 18th-20th century and are covered in Lichen. I could not find the original Gaelic name, but Feighcullen would seem to mean Cullen’s Wood! Apparently the chapel was built on the site of an early Christian church which no longer exists. It is rumoured that a rather crude baptismal trough which dates from this older church is now housed in the main church in nearby Allen. There is also a story that tells of a saint whom hailed from Feighcullen. Beoan is listed as one of the Irish saints, being a son of Nessan of Feighcullen. It is believed that he came from the Cathaoir Mor clan of Leinster.
The main door with its arced stonework is accessed from the east and was open when I arrived. But I decided to take a walk around the exterior to get a feel for the place before I went inside. The exterior stone work is in great condition for its age when compared to its peer in Ballynafagh, but on closer inspection you can notice where resent masonry repairs have taken place. Both the North and South sides of the building contain five lovely lancel arch windows and there is a large traceried, three light, window to the east gable end.
Once inside if you look up you can see right up the bell tower. Inside the entrance you can turn either to the left or right, both bring you through similar archways into the main area of the chapel.
#Graves #gravesguide #graveyardtour #cemetery #shocking