Location: In the main Clonmacnoise site, South of the Cathedral.
OS: N 00985 30636
Longitude: -7.9859498
Latitude: 53.326204
Description and History: I’ve put these two churches together because they are adjoining and part of a two period structure. The earlier church, Temple Dowling (sometimes Doolin) dates to the 11th century but has elements that were rebuilt in the 17th century during which it acquired its name from Edmund Dowling who was the patron of this rebuilding. Temple Hurpan dates to the early 18th century and is adjoined to Temple Dowling.
Parts of Temple Dowling are pre-Norman and large blocks, typical of pre-Normal churches, can be seen in the walls. The East gable was heightened during the 17th century but the original window was retained. An early Christian cross slab has been inserted into the N wall.
Temple Hurpan is larger than Temple Dowling measuring 7m x 4m. Apart from the large windows in this church it is largely featureless as most late medieval churches tend to be.
Difficulty: This is tucked away behind the Cathedral.
Date of Visit: 7th February, 2010. 11th June, 2011. 15th August, 2023. 16th May, 2025.
 |
| The plaque commemmorating the work carried out by Edmund Dowling. |
