Its hard to know where to locate this church based on what it says on Google. Some sites state its in Bellarena, others near Limavady, and some in Magilligan. Safe to say its in County Derry however (parish of Tamlaghtard), and sits just below the stunning Binevenagh plateau. Tamlaghtard is said to mean “the cemetery on the height” which is hardly surprising based on its position. It was built somewhere around 1784 and has a wonderful setting in this designated area of outstanding natural beauty. You can see the little church clearly in the distance if you travel from Castlerock to Derry by train. The denomination here is Church of Ireland, and the grounds contain an old school (now abandoned) which may have doubled up as a robing room. There is also a (creepy) tomb of sorts at the back of the attached cemetery which you can see below.
Tamlaghtard Church. Simply lovely location.
Seen from the front on an early Winter morning 2014.
A distant plane leaves for places afar, above Tamlaghtard Church.
The attached old graveyard, with the imposing Binevenagh cliffs towering behind.
At the very back of the old graveyard lies this tomb in the right hand corner.
One of the headstones on the tomb.
The door was open.
A look inside.
These stone coffins were old based on the dates.
Pretty creepy in here.
In front of the church is this little building which apparently is an old abandoned school (if anyone knows more let me know).
The front of the “school” – the door at the back had blown off in the wind it seemed…
We had a look inside. Very dark, very creepy.
With the flash on, things became much more illuminated.
A little desk. We didnt touch or move anything for the few minutes we had a look inside.
The paint and windows from inside.
Somebody didn’t want anyone to come in this door, that’s for sure.
Obviously electrics had been added at some time. The building is mentioned as being used as a robing room as far back as the late 19th century. Apart from that, the internet seems to give up nothing else about the building. Those little coat hooks on the wall could probably tell a story though.
Is that the book from the Evil Dead movie on the ceiling? I hope not lol.
Time to leave Tamlaghtard Church. So many more things to see in this area.
niviews 