Part 5: Sites of later
historical interest (post 1580 AD)
Chapter
50: Parish Church, Cratloe Village
PARISH CHURCH, CRATLOE VILLAGE
Location Nat. Grid Ref. R490609; ½” Sheet 17.
| Townland : | Ballymorris |
| Parish (R.C.) : | Cratloe |
| Civil Parish : | Kilfintinan |
| 6” O.S. Sheet number : | 62, Co. Clare |
| Reference : | 8.9 cm North; 38.3 cm West |
| 1” O.S. Sheet number : | 143 (Limerick) |
Photo 1: Cratloe
R.C. Church, from the East
CRATLOE CHURCH
“Cratloe Church is the present church of Cratloe. The chancel
and the nave were built in 1791 and in 1806 two transepts were added.
Therefore the church is now in a cruciform shape and it is known as
the Church of Saint John. The measurements of it are – the nave
14 yards long by 8 yards wide. One transept: 10 yards by 8 yards and
the other 12 yards by 8 yards. The sacristy is the smallest room and
measures 5 yards by 2 ½ yards…”
Source: Liddy (Ed.), 1979, page 3.
This very interesting Church has a number of features worthy of note. Reference has already been made to its cruciform shape and one gets an idea of this from Photograph 1.
The belfry is also interesting, with the large arched window below it (see Photograph 2).
In the interior I have always been impressed with the timber galleries in the transepts. These are less than 2 metres above ground level and are in a good state of preservation (Photograph 3).
Cratloe Church is the oldest Catholic church in use in the Barony of Bunratty Lower.
REFERENCE
The only reference to this site is that given above by students of Cratloe National School.
Photo 2: Belfry on Cratloe R.C. Church
Photo 3: Interior of Cratloe R.C. Church, showing one of the Timber
Galleries
