Location: To reach St. Mella’s Cell you have to walk the entire length of the togher. At the end of this there is a kissing gate that will allow you into the next field, the path is kept exposed here and you will find your way to the church.
OS: N 17562 26905
Longitude: -7.7373383
Latitude: 53.292387
Description and History: When you reach the end of the togher, this is your reward. This little church is located inside a square shaped area roughly 40m by 30m. I didn’t realise it at the time but this enclosure is a form of Cashel and probably as historic as the church itself. It definitely warrants a return visit to explore this further. This small church is 4.8m wide and 7.3m along its long axis. The north and east walls have largely collapsed. It has been tentatively given a 10th or 11th century date, and I see no reason to contradict this. It is certainly pre-1100 when rounded archways become dominant in churches in Ireland. The church is made of large limestone boulders and has a lintelled doorway that narrows towards the lintel. It is possible that it served as a small nunnery, given its association with St. Mella. Tradition holds that this is where Manchán’s mother, Mella, lived and that he would meet her every day along the togher.
Coincidentally on St. Manchán’s feast day on the 24th January 2025, Storm Éowyn brought down several trees that surround St. Mella’s exposing an early Christian graveyard with burials from the 7th century onwards, some from just after Manchán’s life. The site of St. Mella’s then, was in use prior to the construction of the church. This is a truly fascinating site that deserves more recognition.
Difficulty: It’s about a 300m walk from St. Manchán’s over uneven terrain, so some level of fitness is required.
Date of Visit: 1st May, 2016.
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| The steps into the enclosure as you get to the end of the togher. |
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| Large stones that make up the enclosure. |
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| The first glimpse as you enter. |
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| The surviving west wall. |
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| The west and north walls have barely survived. |
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| Inside the church. |
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| The stonework is quite beautiful. |
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| Aerial view. |