St. Dairbhile's Church


St. Dairbhile's Church is a medieval church and National Monument in County Mayo, Ireland.

Location

St. Dairbhile's Church is located 2.4 km south of Aughleam, on Mullet Peninsula.

History

St. Dairbhile's Church was constructed in the 6th century, although the current structure is from the 12th century.
According to legend, if someone can squeeze themselves through the west window three times, they will never die from drowning.
Legend tells us that in the 6th century St. Dairbhile, a native of Meath, travelled to the Mullet Peninsula to escape an admirer. However, she was followed here, and gouged out her own eyes to make herself less attractive. When her horrified lover left, she washed her eyes in the waters of a well and her sight was restored. This is St. Deirbhile’s Well, which is located nearby. A pattern takes place annually on August 15.

Buildings

St. Dairbhile's Church is a gabled single-cell church, now in ruins. The church has a narrow ashlar-lined, deeply-splayed east window with an arcuated lintel, and a narrow west doorway with inclined jambs and arcuated lintel.