Cloghran: Discover Churches and History

Cloghran appeals to travellers interested in historic sites and different layers of history. On the grounds of Cloghran Church, the remains of the foundations of an early medieval church lie within an enclosed graveyard. The graveyard is a medieval parish graveyard; Cloghran Church was an early 18th-century parish church that was later demolished. The church foundations, burial ground and parish church therefore represent different historical contexts. If you are travelling with children, these differences can provide a tangible starting point for a conversation: what can foundations, graveyards and former churches tell us about the history of a place?

Church history and other traces

Gun emplacements were built along the boundary wall of Cloghran Church’s graveyard during the Second World War, in the period known as “The Emergency”. The history of this graveyard therefore includes a military episode as well as its religious function. Placing it in its historical context helps distinguish this aspect from the older traces at the site, without combining the different periods into a single historical phase.

Another point of interest is Cloghran’s Holy Well. The stone well, enclosed by a structure, is in a field at the foot of a flight of steps and beneath a tree. Its description is quite different from that of the church and graveyard: here, the focus is on a well and its precise setting. A visit for those interested in cultural history can therefore encompass a range of subjects, from the remains of early medieval foundations and a medieval parish graveyard to a Holy Well.

Castlemoate House offers a different architectural context. The 19th-century house has an outbuilding and gates, and is now used as an office. It was built in the early 19th century and substantially remodelled in the Italianate style in the late 19th century. The two building phases can be distinguished chronologically and complement the older religious connections with the history of a house whose appearance was later significantly altered.

The former Cloghran Stud Farm includes a former early 19th-century Glebe House and entrance gates; the stable complex is excluded. This adds another historical context to the church, graveyard, well and house. Those interested in local history can consider these different connections as separate points of interest when planning a trip, rather than treating them as a single destination.

Events and getting around

The National Show Centre offers a different focus: it is a venue for exhibitions, conferences, sporting events and various performing arts. The hall or arena measures 39 metres by 76.5 metres. For travellers whose stay includes a visit to the events centre, the type of event—such as an exhibition, conference, sporting event or performing arts event—may shape the focus of the trip. The National Show Centre is accessible via the R132 and Stockhole Lane.

When looking for a holiday rental in Cloghran, you might first consider what you want your trip to centre on: the area’s different historical connections or an event at the National Show Centre. This can help you choose your focus without conflating the different places and subjects. Cloghran therefore offers a choice between historical interests and an events setting; which matters to you and your fellow travellers depends on your travel plans.

More places to consider when planning your trip: Kilsallaghan, Swords, Ballyboughal, Howth, Santry, Malahide, Blanchardstown and Sutton.

For the broader travel overview: County Fingal.