Once Tully was an important diocesan centre. It was called ‘the Hill of the Bishops’. Now we stand before the remains of Tully Church and its ancient high crosses.
Tully Church’s history is long. It might go back as far as the 9th century. Some think it might be even older. The church is linked to St. Bridget who died in 523 AD. The chancel is from the late 12th or early 13th century. It is wider than the nave which is quite unusual.
Let’s look at the crosses of Tully Cross Ancient. The granite ringed cross dates back to the 10th century. You’ll find it on the left side of the road. It sits on a large stone base and is 2.3 meters high. The top of this cross is shaped like a gabled roof.
The second high cross is in a nearby field to the northwest of Tully Church. This one dates to the 12th century. It’s missing a piece on one side. This cross stands 2.2 meters high. One side shows a carving of a bearded bishop. The other side has raised mouldings outlining the cross. A faceless head sits where the arms intersect. Some think the figure may be a female figure and believe it to be of St Bridget. However, due to weathering it is impossible to tell.
Sitric Mac Torcaill donated Tully Church and its lands to Christ Church in Dublin. This happened soon after the Anglo-Norman invasion. The church remained in use until the early 17th century.
In the 19th century, James Grehan saved the small ringed cross from destruction. The road was being lowered. James Grehan had a wall built. He placed the cross on top to keep it at its original height. A plaque honors James Grehan for saving this Celtic cross.
Tully Church is located in Laughanstown near Cabinteely. This is in the southern suburbs of Dublin. From here, you get great views. Look east to Killiney Hill and the Irish Sea. To the west are the Dublin Mountains.
The church at Tully was granted to the Priory of the Holy Trinity in 1179. After the mid 17th century, it was no longer used. In the graveyard at Tully Church, the Walshes of Carrickmines Castle were buried. They were a dominant family in this area after the Norman intervention.
Today, Tully Church and its crosses are freely accessible. They stand as silent witnesses to centuries of Irish history. They remind us of saints, bishops, and the passage of time.