Clogher Heritage Complex
Drum Graveyard (440AD to present)
Clogher, Claremorris, County Mayo,
Ireland
Drum - A Ridge
The ancient Church of Drum was the seat of the Parish of
Drum and recognised as being of ecclesiastical importance in
St. Patrick's time.
It is believed that Saint Patrick built the first church
here in 440 AD, it was of timber construction.
Over the years a stone church was built which fell into
disrepair in the 1800's. In 1871 local people decided to
build a new church but sadly their wish was never fulfilled.
All that remains of the old stone church is one wall; this
is of great archaeological interest.
Sited around the old church we can see many gravestones
dating back to the 1700's. There will of course be many
unmarked plots dating back perhaps as early as the first
church 440 AD. Near to the remaining church wall lies the
Fitzgerald Kenny enclosed burial plot, these people were
central figures in much of Cloghers history.
Caiseal - Bia Taghs - Places of Rest, Devotion and
Refreshment.
The building of a Caiseal further marked the importance
of Drum Church. The remains of the Caiseal can still be seen
in a field west of the graveyard. Pilgrims would rest
overnight in a place of safety.
A footprint believed to be St. Patrick's, impressed into
local stone, may be seen in the field to the rear of the
graveyard.
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