A temple with a powerful position on the island
Unguided sitesA temple with a powerful position on the island
Unguided sitesTeampall Bheanáin is a state-owned National Monument in the care of the Office of Public Works
*Safety Information: Reaching Teampall Bheanáin requires a short climb over steep, rising ground. Good walking shoes are recommended. Keep your distance from any livestock that may be in the area.*
WARNING: It should be noted that these sites are unguided and a level of care and caution should be maintained during all stages of your visit. The Office Of Public Works (OPW) will not be held responsible for any damages, injuries, or losses that occur
Teampall Bheanáin (‘the temple of St. Beanán’) is a tiny church situated high on the ridge of a hill overlooking Cuan Chill Éinne (Cill Éinne bay). On your way up you will pass a holy well Tobar na mBráthar (‘the well of the friars’). In the field to your left you will see another holy well ‘Dabhach Éinne’ (‘Éanna’s well’) as well as the base of an 11th century high cross, further fragments of which are found in Teaghlach Éinne.
A little further up the hill, is the stump of a round tower reported to have been 30m tall in the early 19th century, but later demolished by a storm. All these buildings formed part of the medieval monastery of Cill Éinne.
Beanán is said to have been a disciple of St. Patrick in the 5th century, but the church that bears his name was built in the 11th century using similar techniques to those seen in Teaghlach Éinne. Teampall Bheanáin is tiny, a mere 6m2 inside. It was probably not used for worship, but may have housed important relics, perhaps parts of the remains of Beanán, or a bell or crosier associated with him.
Its prominent position on the brow of the hill is significant; from this exposed hilltop the relics cast their protective power over the bay, and the entire island. Likewise Teampall Bheanáin, along with the round tower, would have been highly visible to medieval pilgrims arriving to the island by boat, and were powerful symbols of the prosperity and importance of Cill Éinne.
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This national monument is protected in accordance with the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014
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