Geograph - photograph every grid square

This is the fine west tower. The Dawson family of Dartrey who came to the area in the 17th century have been the main benefactors of the parish ever since. It was Richard Dawson, a banker and Dublin alderman, who built the present church in 1729 – its separate parish of Ematris was established soon after. Before that, when this was part of Galloon parish, there had been a chapel in the townland of Edergole – its foundations can be seen today in the midst of a very old burial ground. The Dawsons added a north gallery to the church in 1769, and much later the Corry family added a south gallery, raised on arches to avoid desecrating the burial ground beneath. A fire caused serious damaged in 1811 leaving the church for a period without a roof. The west tower was built in 1840, and the sanctuary apse in 1870. With the demolition of the Dawson mansion in 1950, and their once thriving estate turned over to forestry, Dartrey church seems isolated. Yet it remains a busy vibrant church and its cemetery view across Inner Lough must be one of the best in Ireland H6117 : Inner Lough island and the history of the Dartrey estate.
For the history of the Dawson family (Earls of Dartrey) see Link