Old Hollywood Great Church Co Dublin

                                       Above Image: View from the roadside

                                       Above Image: Roadside entrance gate

                                          Above Image: Approach lane way

                                   Above & Below Images: Southern doorway

                                   Above Image: West gable with triple bellcote

Out into the heart of North County Dublin again where there are many ruins dotted around the landscape and this time we have a ruined Church situated in the townland of Hollywood Great.
The Church mentioned is late medieval in date and is thought to have been preceded by an earlier stone Church which was listed as in ruins by 1630. The present Church according to records was probably constructed on this site around the late 16th century and is recorded as being in full use in the 1750’s and remained so until the early 19^th century. By the late 1880’s it was described as falling into ruin.
I like the location of these ruins which are situated on a side road called Sallowood View off the R108 between Ballyboughal and Naul. It’s a very quiet and pleasant part of the county. A roadside gate which is unlocked is the access point and you are led down a long lane to a second gate for the graveyard enclosure in which the ruins are situated. The lie of the land is such that although the Church seems elevated above the land extending  behind it in which the hump of Lambay Island can be seen in the distance it is really only slightly elevated to its surroundings. In fact the access point at the roadside is at a higher level to the graveyard enclosure.
 A tall triple bellcote tower stands on the West gable and the Church extends Eastward towards the Chancel. The walls of the Nave survive but the Chancel area itself is reduced to a few feet above foundation level. There is a medieval holy water stoop just inside the South doorway hidden a little by ivy. The interior of the West gable displays evidence of the former roof, a triangular pattern etched into the brickwork. The Church in design is not dissimilar to the nearby Ballyboughal Church (see earlier post here ) which has a more notable history attached to it.
All in all an interesting enough ruin in a nice location with easy access which could be incorporated into a visit to the aforementioned Ballyboughal Church for comparison.
To find the ruins head Northwards on the R108 from Ballyboughal village and drive for approx 5.5KM until you reach a crossroads with the Jamestown Road. There are signs pointing to the N1 and Lusk and you need to turn right here. A little way down this road the name changes to Sallowood View. Drive for approx 700m from the crossroads and you will spot the entrance gate on your right. It is possible to park alongside the wall left of the gate.