Founded by St. Doulagh who lived around 7th century. Of St. Doulagh who gave his name to the church very little is known. The Church is about 10 kilometers from Dublin city center, it is the oldest stone roofed church still in use in Ireland to date. The oldest part of the church as it stands is medieval, dating from the 12th century. However according to studies on the site it dates back to the time of St. Patrick.
The old church is entered through that part of the church now used for Divine Service which was built in 1864. The east end of the church, dating from the mid-12th century, is vaulted, above which is an attic room whose walls also serve to prevent the steep-pitched stone roof from caving inwards.
The Cell
The remainder of the church is of 15th century date. At its centre is a room called 'The Hermit's Cell' which is reputed to be the burial place of the founder, and it may contain parts of an earlier cell. Doulagh was not free to wander as other people were. He remained in his small, wooden cell, which was part of the church that now bears his name, alone. He would have prayed each day and dug his own grave as a sign of his mortality. Subsequent hermits would have repeated this practice. The window in the west wall of the building is said to be the location of the original window where the hermit would place his plate in the hope that someone would give him food. Even if he went hungry he still gave thanks to God. One feature of the small cell which is very striking is the large number of windows of which no two are the same size.
One of the floors connects with the croft or attic above the east end, and above this room, called 'The Bishop's Room', is the belfry. In a field about 100 yards to the north-east of the church is a well, covered by an octagonal building (13th century); according to tradition its interior walls were decorated with pictures
In the 19th century there was some dispute over the existence of St. Doulagh some thinking that he was in fact the 10th century Viking god, Olave. However it is now known that he did exist. It was also thought that the actual church may have been built by Vikings but again it was proved due to the methods of construction that the Irish built it. The features of the church were not those of Viking structures.
The Cache
The cache is a decon box set in the grounds of St. Doulagh's Church.
The Gates always appear locked but if you look closly there's a gap in the links of the chain :-)
Please Take extra care when rehiding this cache as the area is a very popular place for muggles
Windsocker