Discover Stamullin: Churches, Tomb Art and Fourknocks

Stamullin brings together church architecture, tomb art and prehistoric archaeology. The history of Stamullen ranges from medieval churches and grave slabs to the Neolithic passage tomb of Fourknocks. If you are looking for a holiday rental, you can first decide what to focus on: the village's history, Fourknocks or other attractions in the wider destination of County Meath.

Churches, a cemetery and stone details

The ruins of St Patrick's Church in Stamullen date from the 13th century. A protected medieval parish church has a nave and chancel dating from the 15th century. Its architectural and historical details include two pointed-arch doorways, a tomb from the mid-15th century and funerary monuments dating from around 1540. The Catholic church in Stamullen also has its own architectural history: it is a detached T-shaped building dating from 1831, with lancet windows, and was renovated in 1961.

The cemetery at St Patrick's in Stamullen contains a cadaver stone dating from the 14th-century Black Death. A protected cemetery with church ruins also has a chapel attached to the south side of the chancel, with a cadaver tomb slab and a double effigy tomb from the mid-16th century. The now-ruined St Christopher's Chapel was built in 1434 on the south-southeast side of the chancel for the Preston family. Another tomb slab in the chapel, dated to between 1530 and 1540, depicts William Preston and his second wife, Eleanor Dowdall. A protected, large stone archway with a stable yard also stands at the southwestern end of the village.

Fourknocks and the Heritage Trails

Fourknocks is a Neolithic passage tomb built around 5,000 years ago. Its burial chambers are decorated with abstract art and feature an early possible depiction of a human face in Irish prehistoric art. At Fourknocks, the monument's great age and its imagery are both central. A key is required to access the passage tomb; it is available from the White family until 6 pm at +353 (0) 1 8354722. Check these arrangements again before setting out.

The Stamullen Village Heritage Trail is listed among the Meath County Council Heritage Trails. Two other Heritage Trail routes start at the CityNorth Hotel: one leads to the village of Stamullen and the ruins of St Patrick's, while the other heads towards Gormanston. The route to the village of Stamullen and the ruins of St Patrick's is described as free, self-guided and suitable for all ages. Check local arrangements and route availability before making plans.

Getting there and local produce

By car, reach Stamullen via the Stamullen exit on the M1, then follow the signs. Check current directions and road conditions before travelling. For a local food stop, try Clarke's Fresh Fruit on the outskirts of Stamullen: the farm shop sells strawberries, raspberries and seasonal produce. Check that it is open before visiting.

County Meath: a wider prehistoric perspective

In the wider destination of County Meath, the Brú na Bóinne World Heritage Site lies in a bend of the River Boyne. It includes the passage tombs of Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth, built around 3200 BC. Also in County Meath, Loughcrew Megalithic Cemetery is a group of Neolithic passage tombs dating from around 3000 BC; the site extends across four gently rolling hilltops.

These differences offer travellers interested in archaeology a range of themes to consider when planning: Fourknocks, with a single burial chamber and possible early depictions of faces; Brú na Bóinne, with three named monuments; and Loughcrew, a group set in a hilly landscape. When looking for a holiday rental, consider whether to focus on Stamullen's local history or include other destinations in County Meath. This way, you can choose accommodation based on the themes that really matter to your trip.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Boycetown, Donore, Longwood, Balrath, Rathmolyon, Navan, Athboy, Julianstown

For the wider travel overview: County Meath.