Beneath our feet lies centuries of stories, right here at Tully Church. Tully Church stands as a testament to faith and history in County Dublin. This ancient site whispers tales from the 6th to the 9th centuries AD.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine bishops meeting here long ago. Tully Church was once known as Telach-na-nun ecspop. This translates to Tullow of the bishops. Legend says seven bishops even set out from here to visit St Brigid at Kildare. Some say they were the Seven Bishops of Cabinteely.
In 1179, the church was granted to the Priory of The Holy Spirit. Later the Normans added the chancel in the late 12th or early 13th century. Notice how the chancel is wider than the nave. Look at the rounded arch and the two rounded headed east windows. The nave itself dates back to the 13th century.
Tully Church remained in use until about 1615. Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin provided clergy to keep it running. An inspection in 1615 reported it was in good condition. But storms in 1630 caused significant damage. Sadly, it was abandoned and fell into ruin.
Now, let’s turn our attention to the crosses. See the cross by the roadside. It is dedicated to James Crehan. He saved it from being discarded during road work in the late 1800s. The plinth replicates the removed soil. It keeps the cross at its original height. Notice the worn steps. They allow a closer view.
Across the field, now part of Tully Park, stands another cross. This one dates to the 12th century. It is also said to be dedicated to St Brigid.
Tully Church has witnessed many changes. It was an important diocesan center in the first millennium AD. Old texts refer to it as Tulach na nEpscop meaning the Hill of the Bishops. In the 8th century, the Uí Briúin controlled this territory. Later Hiberno-Norse settlers took over. Sitric Mac Turcaill granted the lands of Tully to Christ Church in Dublin. Excavations have revealed a house-site from this period nearby. Aerial photos show ditched enclosures around the church. The original entrance faced southeast a common feature for early ecclesiastical sites.
Grave slabs with Viking-inspired designs were found here. These may have marked the graves of Christianized Hiberno-Norse settlers. After the Norman intervention, the Walshes of Carrickmines Castle used the graveyard as their burial ground.
Today Tully Church stands within Tully Park opened in May 2023. This includes the graveyard and nearby high cross. Tully Church connects us to the past. It reminds us of the layers of history. It is a place where bishops, Normans, and ordinary people have left their mark. Take a moment to appreciate this special place.