Skryne

The Ireland's Ancient East
STOP 03 / 03

Skryne · Co. Meath

A village built on a hill where medieval stone still stands and ancient memory runs deep.

Skryne is a small village perched on the Hill of Skreen in north County Meath, a few kilometers from the Hill of Tara. The hill itself was sacred in the early Christian period — monks built a monastery here, and the place became known as Scrín Choluim Chille — Colmcille's Shrine — after the relics or shrine of St. Columba were brought here in the 10th century for safekeeping.

The medieval church — built in 1341 as a house of Augustinians, the tower added in the 15th century — still stands in ruin on the hilltop. It is a National Monument. From the hill, the ancient landscape spreads: Tara to the west, the plains and drumlins in all directions, the sense of this place as a seeing-place, a gathering-place, a sacred place.

Skryne the village is small and quiet. The draw is the hill, the church ruins, the walk up and the view back.

Population

~200

Founded

Church built 1341, tower added 15th century

01 / 03

Stories & lore.

The reason to come back. The things every local will eventually tell you about, usually after the second pint.

Colmcille's Shrine on the Hill

Scrín Choluim Chille

In the 10th century, the shrine — or relics — of St. Columba was brought to this hill for protection. The place took the name Scrín Choluim Chille, Colmcille's Shrine. A monastery was founded. The hill became a place of pilgrimage and significance. Later, in 1341, the Augustinians built the church that still stands, replacing earlier structures. The tower followed in the 15th century. The site layered itself with centuries.

What the medieval tower sees

The hill and the ruin

The church tower is three storeys, sturdy and simple, built by people who knew stone and weight. From the top — if you can climb it — the view spreads north and west to Tara and beyond. The church itself is nave and chancel, with medieval decorative work in stone. A cross stands nearby, also medieval. They are not grand or flashy. They are honest examples of what 14th and 15th century people made to last.

02 / 03

Things to do outside.

Wear waterproofs. Bring a sandwich. Tell someone where you're going if it's the mountain.

The Hill of Skreen The hill itself rewards walking. The path is well-trodden. Church ruins at the top. Views across the plain.

~2 km loopdistance

45 minutes to 1 hourtime

Getting there.

By car

Skryne is about 50 minutes north-northwest of Dublin. Tara is 5 minutes' drive. Kells is 20 minutes north.

By bus

Limited direct service; best by car.

Next on the tour

Co. Meath

Kilmessan

South. The Station House Hotel and the Hill of Tara viewed from another angle.

Co. Meath

Nobber

North. O'Carolan's village.