Taken from the plaque at the entrance
:
This early monastic site is associated with St Blathmac,
a 6th century saint who is believed to have been the teacher of St
Flannan of Killaloe. In the 12th century Rath was an important
centre of learning supported by the Uí Bhriain kings. The present
church consists of two parts – the nave, where the
congregation worshipped and the chancel, where the alter
was sited. Much of the church dates from the 15th century, but
large stones used in the nave may have come from a 9th or 10th
century church. There is also some carved 12th century stonework,
including a window fragment with a sheela-na-gig
surrounded by biting animals. Sheela-na-gigs were exhibitionist
female figures whose function may have been to avert
evil.
The ruins of a Round Tower ( a tall bell-tower ) stood
to the west of the church but it was demolished in 1838, curved
stones from it were built into the present cemetery wall. A crozier
and two bronze hand-bells from the 12th century are associated with
the site.
The above co ordinates take you to the Church, to find the cache
you will need to answer the following questions. Answers can be
found on the grave stones in the Church grounds.
- On the Michael Kenny family grave stone, Patrick died
196A aged BC.
- John McCuane's son's wife Nancy was aged ( ?? - 20 = WX
) when she died.
- John Gilligan died April 29 1983 aged ZY
yrs.
The final co ordinates are :
52 degrees 55.ABC North
9 degrees 5.WXY West
The cache is a concealed 35mm film canister
Not much room so there’s a Virgin Upper Class luggage tag for
FTF!
Tourist Information
- Leave Corofin over the bridge towards Ennis.
- Take the road on the right signposted "Ennistimon 18km".
- After .7mi take road on left signposted "Lough Raha".
- After .1mi take road on right.
- After .8mi take right at the sign for "church and castle" ( it
has been hit and is pointing the wrong way! ) Rath Church is .6mi
down, at end of lane.