St. Seachnall's Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St. Seachnall's Church |
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Domnach Sechnaill
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 St. Seachnall's Church
Location in Ireland
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| 53°30′51″N 6°32′21″W / 53.514242°N 6.539295°W | |
| Location | Seachnall Place, Dunshaughlin, County Meath |
| Country | Ireland |
| Denomination | Church of Ireland |
| Previous denomination | Pre-Reformation Catholic |
| History | |
| Dedication | Secundinus |
| Architecture | |
| Style | Celtic Christianity |
| Years built | 10th/11th century |
| Closed | 18th century |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | limestone |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Meath |
St. Seachnall's Church is a very old church located in County Meath, Ireland. It is considered a National Monument, which means it's an important historical site protected by the country. This church has a long and interesting history, dating back to early Christian times in Ireland.
Contents
Where is St. Seachnall's Church Located?
St. Seachnall's Church can be found right in the middle of Dunshaughlin. It's just a little bit east of the R147, which used to be the main N3 road. The way the R147 road curves around the church suggests that the church grounds were important even in ancient times.
The Ancient History of the Church
Who was Saint Secundinus?
The church is named after Secundinus, also known as Seachnall. He was an important early Christian figure who lived a very long time ago, around the 5th century AD. People believe he helped start a church on this very spot between the years 439 and 447 AD.
Secundinus was the son of a man named Restitutus and a woman named Lubaid. Lubaid is traditionally thought to be the sister of Saint Patrick, one of Ireland's most famous saints! The name of the town, Dunshaughlin, actually comes from Domhnach Seachnall, which means "the church of Seachnall."
A Heavenly Hymn and Reconciliation
There's a cool legend about this church recorded in an old book called An Leabhar Breac. It says that a special Christian song, the 7th-century Eucharistic hymn Sancti venite, was first sung by angels right here in Dunshaughlin. This happened after Secundinus and his uncle, Saint Patrick, made up after a disagreement.
Monastery Life and Challenges
Dunshaughlin was once home to a monastery, which is a place where monks live and worship. Records show that leaders of this monastery, called abbots, were active in the 9th century. The first one mentioned was Ruamnus, who passed away in 801 AD.
Unfortunately, the monastery faced tough times. It was burned down during raids in 1026, 1142, and 1143 AD. It was also attacked and robbed by a group called the Uí Briúin in 1152.
Changes After the Normans Arrived
After the Norman invasion of Ireland (when people from Normandy came to Ireland), Dunshaughlin became a special type of land called a seigniorial manor. This meant it was controlled by a powerful Norman lord named Hugh de Lacy, Lord of Meath. He might have even built a small fort, called a motte, about 700 meters south of the church. After this, the church became a local parish church, serving the community.
What Happened to the Old Church?
In the early 1300s, a church in "Denclynschael" (which was Dunshaughlin) was listed in church tax records. Later, in 1622, a religious leader named James Ussher said that the church and its main area (the chancel) were in ruins. However, by 1749, another writer, Isaac Butler, described the church and its tower as being in good condition, even though the chancel was still ruined.
The church building you see today, which belongs to the Church of Ireland, was built in 1813. It's located just north of where the older church stood.
What Can We See of the Old Church Today?
The remains of the old parish church are still visible. You can see one pointed arch and two piers, which are strong supports that would have held up an arcade (a row of arches). These parts suggest that the church's main area, called the nave, had aisles on the sides.
There's also an eight-sided stone basin, called a font, which was used for baptisms. This font has cool carvings on it and has been moved to the newer church. You can also see a carving of a crucifixion scene above a doorway. This carving is made in a special way that makes it look like it's popping out, even though it's carved into the stone.
Images for kids
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St. Seachnall's Church in Dunshaughlin.
