Saints and Stones: Oughtmama Churches (Ucht Mama)
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On the northern edge of Burren and a litttle over a mile from Corcomroe Abbey, Oughtmama Parish (meaning Breast of the High Pass) was once enclosed by a massive wall. Today, all that remains are the three ruins of churches built in the 12th Cenrury.

The largest and most westerly church has a nave and chancel with a flat-headed doorway and a plain Romanesque arch. The two smaller churches are the oldest. Traditionally, the site is associated with St. Colman MacDuagh who, it is said, founded a monastery here in the 6th Century. Little is known of its early history.

Oughtmama ceased to be important following the establishment of the Cistercian abbey of Corcomroe.

About the Oughtmama Churches (Ucht Mama)

Clare County Library: Early Churches of the Burren
Clare County Library: Ruins of Oughtmama Church
University College London: Oughtmama, Church of the Three Colmans
Wikipedia: Colman mac Duagh (Saint Colman mac Duagh)

Journey to the Oughtmama Churches (Ucht Mama)

The Oughtmama Churches, located in County Clare Ireland, are difficult to find. From Bell Harbour on the N67, turn inland and then turn left at the Y-Junction. From there a gravel road to the right leads up to the top of a hill from which Corcomroe Abbey may be seen. Continue on the gravel road over the hill until you can see the churches below to the right across two fields. The three churches sit close to the base of the high Burren-like Turlough Hill.

Map Reference: M3007

Visitors Information

Visitors information may be found at the geograph.ie website. General tourist information may be found at the Visit County Clare website.

Additional Photos of the Oughtmama Churches (Ucht Mama)

Descriptive Sign for Oughtmama Churches
The Middle and Western Churches at the Oughtmama Churches
East Window of the Eastern Church at the Oughtmama Churches
The Western Church, the Largest of the Oughtmama Churches
The Western Church, the Largest of the Oughtmama Churches
Interior of the Western Church of the Oughtmama Churches
Altar Platform in the Interior of the Western Church of the Oughtmama Churches
Ancient Baptismal Font Near the Western Church of the Oughtmama Churches
A Leacht (Grave) Near the Western Church of the Oughtmama Churches

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