Unofficial guide. Not the National Monuments Service, the OPW, Fáilte Ireland or the landowner. Disclaimer
At a glance
- TypeChurch
- Date or period mentionedmedieval
- Recorded sizeint. L 5m, W 2.45m
- StatusNational Monument
What to look for
- East window
- Bellcote
Picked out from the Archaeological Survey description below.
Can you visit?
- No source says it is open to the public.Most monuments in Ireland stand on private farmland.
- Ask the landowner before crossing fields, close gates, leave the stones as you find them.Visiting responsibly
History and description
The small, oratory-like, building is located within a circular enclosure (DU015-031001-). Known as St Fintan's the church is roughly rectangular in plan (int. dims. L 5m, Wth 2.45m).
Full archaeological record 249 words
The small, oratory-like, building is located within a circular enclosure (DU015-031001-). Known as St Fintan's the church is roughly rectangular in plan (int. dims. L 5m, Wth 2.45m). Built of large blocks of sandstone, granite and tufa with dressed quoins. The walls are battered. It appears to be an Early-Norman church with later medieval alterations. Originally entered in the west through a lintelled doorway, which was replaced by a pointed arched doorway. This has chamfered jambs. A square recess above the doorway has a circular ope. There is a single bellcote on the west gable.
In the interior there are three wall presses, that in the east end of the north wall incorporates the arch of an earlier window. The wall niche in the south is angular in plan with deeply chamfered side stones and a carved head; the third wall press is a square-headed niche in the west end of the south wall. The east window is rounded with septfoil moulding on the arch and chamfered sandstone and limestone jambs. Now blocked up. Partial remains of a window are present at the western end of the north wall. The window in the northeast angle is semi-circular headed whilst that in the south is overgrown.
Metal railings have been added to roof and door. The Bellingham graveplot, also defined by railings is attached externally to the church on the north facade. Much of the mortar has been washed out of the exterior of the south, north and east walls.
Archaeological Survey of Ireland, National Monuments Service (CC BY 4.0) · Compiled by Geraldine Stout · Updated 26 January 2015. It describes the site as it was when surveyed.
Folklore and traditions
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Visitors' notes
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Around St Fintan's Church
Other heritage nearby
- Aideen’s GraveMegalithic tomb · 0.7 km
- Howth CastleCastle · 1.2 km
- Corr CastleCastle · 1.4 km
- Our Lady's SpoutHoly well · 2.0 km
- St. Ann's Well, RahenyHoly well · 5.1 km
- St Doolagh's WellHoly well · 7.2 km
Recorded within 5 km
- 5 castlesArchaeological Survey of Ireland
- 3 holy wellsArchaeological Survey of Ireland
- 3 ancient churchesArchaeological Survey of Ireland
- 2 promontory fortsArchaeological Survey of Ireland
- 1 monastic siteArchaeological Survey of Ireland
- 1 megalithic tombArchaeological Survey of Ireland
- 1 ringfortArchaeological Survey of Ireland
Walks and trails
- Howth - Bog of Frogs LoopWalking Trail · 12.1 km · nearest point 0.7 km
- Howth - Black Linn LoopWalking Trail · 8.1 km · nearest point 1.4 km
- Howth - Tramline LoopWalking Trail · 7.1 km · nearest point 1.5 km
Outdoors, towns and places to stay
- Claremont BeachBeaches · 1.7 km · Sufficient Quality (2025)
- Sutton, Burrow BeachBeaches · 1.8 km · Excellent Quality (2025)
- Baldoyle Estuary Nature ReserveNature reserves · 3.5 km
- North Bull Island Nature ReserveNature reserves · 3.5 km
- DalkeyWalled towns · 11 km
- DublinWalled towns · 12 km
- Merrion MewsHistoric stays · 11 km
- Georgian TownhouseHistoric stays · 12 km
Other attractions nearby
- National Transport Museum of IrelandMuseums and Attraction · 1.2 km
- Howth CastleHistoric Houses and Castle · 1.3 km
- Howth Walking ToursWalking · 1.7 km
- Howth AdventuresWalking · 1.8 km
What's on nearby
- Cody Johnson2026-11-05 · 9.7 km
- Andy Irvine & Quilty2026-11-05 · 9.7 km
- Leslie Odom Jr. in Concert2026-11-05 · 11 km


