Raheen-a-Cluig

Raheen-a-Cluig lies on the north face of Bray Head in Raheen Park, about 300 m (330 yd) south of the beach, with a commanding view over the coastline.

c. 1875 photo with Bray promenade in background

Raheen-a-Cluig is believed to have been built in the 12th–13th century AD.[2] The name derives from the Irish Ráithín an Chloig. This would mean "little fort of the bell", but there is no sign of a fort. Ráithín can also refer to a wall of built-up sods of turf, or it could be a version of raithean, "ferny area". It was given to the Augustines by the then prominent Archbold family. It may have been dedicated to St Michael or St Brendan.[3][4]

It was partially restored in the 18th century. Over the years it has also been used as a hideout by smugglers, and it associated with various ghost stories.

The ruins have a doorway in the northeast wall which would have originally held a strong timber door, and round-headed windows in the east and west gables.

There were two smaller buildings close by and so is an enclosure: probably a cillín: a burial ground for suicides, shipwrecked sailors, strangers, unrepentant murderers and unbaptised babies.

About a 400 m (¼ mile) southeast of the church there was a holy well, known as Patrick’s Well. This was still used in the 1830s, mostly by invalids.[5]