St. Eachaidh’s Church, Drumard

The ancient church is believed to date back to the fifth century and may once have formed portion of a small monastery. The site is surrounded by a ring of trees and is located on some of the most fertile land in the country convenient to a small lake.

At the moment it is almost inaccessible, hidden amongst tall weeds and shrubbery but of late Bord Failte have taken an interest in the place and it is possible it will soon be made more presentable, and pinpointed by a direction sign.

The remains of this church consist of portion of the three feet thick walls, most held in the grasp of thick ivy and at one point a window opening is showing which might help experts to identify the period to which it belongs. In a circle around the church where once a cluster of stone-built cells in which the holy men dwelt, but so far as can be seen none of these is now intact. If a complete job of restoration on this important site is not feasible it is at least deserving of a clean up so that a composite picture of its original design could be presented. Some people believe that it was a second parish in Clones.

Part of the Ancient Pilgrim Route Clones – Clogher

Images: Clones-Ireland