Tullylease Church

According to the annals a monastery was founded here by Saint Berechert, an Anglo-Saxon monk in the year 644. The local placename Tulach Léis, from the Irish meaning ‘Hillock of the Enclosure’, is probably a reference to a circular wall that surrounded the early monastery. By the 15^th century, the church and monastery had come under the control of the Augustinians. The monastery was mentioned at the Synod of Ráth Breasail which established the diocesan boundaries of Munster. The present church ruins date from various periods. Part of the church’s eastern wall is from the 12th century. The nave is from the 13^th century, whilst the present chancel dates to the 15th century.

Perhaps the most significant and impressive remains at the site are its medieval cross slabs. An 8^th century cross slab bears the Latin inscription “Quicumque hunc titulu legerit orat pro Berechtuine” (Whomever reads this please pray for Berechert). The incised cross is similar to artwork from the Book of Lindisfarne. The Ardagh Chalice, which was discovered just 30km north-west of Tullylease, also shares Lindisfarne stylization suggesting that a connection between monasteries in North Cork and West Limerick area to English monasteries was maintained for a period after Saint Berechert’s death. There are two other complete early medieval cross slabs mounted on the interior church walls alongside fragments of a further three cross slabs and two later medieval cross slabs, one of which bears an image of Saint Berechert.

Note: The medieval cross slabs at Tullylease are a precious part of our cultural heritage and have recently been conserved by the National Monuments Service. A modern ritual has developed at the site whereby pilgrims have started using stones to score the sign of the cross on these medieval cross slabs causing irreparable damage. Visitors to the site are asked not to engage in this practice, and are reminded that deliberate damage to a National Monument carries a legal penalty of a fine of up to €10,000 or 5 years imprisonment, or both, under the National Monuments Act 1930 – 2005.

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This national monument is protected in accordance with the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014