| Killulta Church | |||||||
| Other Name: | Kildimo Church | ||||||
| Native Name: | Cill Ulta | ||||||
| Native Name Lang: | ga | ||||||
| Pushpin Map: | Ireland | ||||||
| Relief: | yes | ||||||
| Coordinates: | 52.629°N -8.836°W | ||||||
| Country: | Ireland | ||||||
| Denomination: | Catholic (pre-Reformation) | ||||||
| Dedication: | Saint Ultan (?) | ||||||
| Functional Status: | inactive | ||||||
| Embedded: |
| ||||||
| Style: | Celtic | ||||||
| Years Built: | 9th century AD? | ||||||
| Length: | 5m (16feet) | ||||||
| Width: | 5m (16feet) | ||||||
| Width Nave: | 3m (10feet) | ||||||
| Floor Count: | 1 | ||||||
| Floor Area: | 15m2 | ||||||
| Materials: | stone, mortar | ||||||
| Diocese: | Limerick | ||||||
Killulta Church is a medieval church and a National Monument in County Limerick, Ireland.[1]
The church is located west-northwest of Kildimo village, in the western part of the Maigue valley, southwest of Dromore Lough and Bleach Lough.[2]
Killulta church is believed to be one of the oldest stone churches in Ireland.[3]
Samuel Lewis incorrectly claimed it was built by the Knights Templar in 1290. However, others date the church to pre-1100, even as early as the 5th century AD. Most scholars date it to the 9th century.
Local historian Mairtín Ó Corrbhuí records that a bronze pin and bronze sword were found near the church.
The name is believed to mean "church of the Ulsterman" or "church of Saint Ultan."[4]
It was also known as Kellallathan (cealla leathan, "broad church").[5] [6]
Killulta measures 5 × 3 metres on the inside, with walls 1 metre thick. It is constructed of large stones and has a plain doorway and triangular-headed east window.[7] [8]