Tully Church

The old church of Tully near Cabinteely is situated on a low hill overlooking much of south county Dublin and has fine views of the Dublin Mountains. The church at Tully is referred to in the ancient Irish texts as ‘the hill of the bishops’ and was closely associated with St. Brigid’s famous foundation at Kildare. Around the middle of the 12th century, Tully church and the surrounding lands were granted to Christ Church in Dublin by Sitric Mac Torcaill, Viking ruler of Dublin. Only the foundations of the early nave survive, with a fine granite arch dividing it from the chancel that was added during the early 13th century. At the east end of the chancel are two round headed windows. Overlooking the lane approaching the graveyard is a ringed High Cross, possibly dating to the early 10th century. The top has been shaped into a gabled roof with shingles and finials at the ends. In the field to the northwest is a 12th century granite High Cross. The cross depicts the figure of a bearded bishop holding a crozier. Please note that many of these monuments may be on private land and may not be publicly accessible. When setting out to visit monuments please ensure that you wear appropriate footwear and clothing. Access to monuments without Visitor Services may be across uneven ground which may not be suitable for everyone and, in particular, wheelchair users.