TULLY CHURCH

TODAY I EXPLORED TULLY PARK AND ESPECIALLY THE OLD CHURCH [THE AREA IS CHANGING AT AN AMAZING RATE]

You may have noticed that I am in the process of upgrading or upgrading my equipment and am now tending towards using lighter fixed lens cameras. Today I decided to visit Tully Park and test my Fuji GFX100RF medium format camera. The area in general is changing at an amazing rate.

Tully's Enduring Sanctity: From Ancient Ecclesiastical Centre to Modern Public Amenity

I. Introduction: The Enduring Presence of Tully and its Evolving Landscape
The ancient site of Tully Church, its attendant graveyard, and two historic high crosses, located in Laughanstown, County Dublin, stand as National Monuments of considerable historical and archaeological significance. For centuries, these remnants bore witness to shifting tides of faith, power, and community. However, recent years have ushered in a profound transformation of their immediate setting and broader context, driven by the large-scale Cherrywood Strategic Development Zone (SDZ). This ambitious urbanisation project has culminated in the creation of Tully Park, a modern public green space into which these venerable monuments have been carefully integrated. This report seeks to explore the rich history of Tully's sacred complex and, crucially, to analyse how its contemporary role has been redefined, becoming, as it were, one vital element within a diverse collection of public spaces.  

The deliberate incorporation of these ancient monuments as the "very heart" of a new flagship park is indicative of a contemporary approach to urban planning and heritage management. This philosophy moves beyond merely preserving such sites in isolation, which can sometimes lead to them becoming detached or inaccessible relics. Instead, it actively curates them as central, accessible features intended for public engagement and appreciation. This integration signals a shift whereby heritage is not only safeguarded but is also woven into the fabric of new communities, offering a tangible connection to the past amidst modern development. The placement of Tully Church and its associated monuments within Tully Park suggests an understanding of their value that transcends their purely historical or archaeological importance. In a new, rapidly developing urban area projected to house a significant population , these heritage assets can serve as powerful anchors of cultural identity and contribute to a unique sense of place. They are envisioned not as passive remnants of a bygone era, but as active components in the life of the emerging community, enriching its landscape and contributing to the well-being of its residents by embedding deep historical roots within a contemporary environment.  

II. Echoes of the Past: The Rich History of Tully Church and its Sacred Precincts

A. Tulach na nEpscop: The Early Ecclesiastical Origins and Significance

The historical importance of Tully is deeply rooted in Ireland's early Christian period. The site was known anciently as Tulach na nEpscop, meaning 'the Hill of the Bishops', a title recorded in early Irish literature, including the 9th-century Martyrology of Óengus (with later annotations) and the late 15th-century Book of Lismore, which drew on earlier, now-lost manuscripts. This designation is highly significant; it implies a status considerably elevated above that of a simple local church. The presence of bishops, potentially as early as the 8th century , suggests that Tully functioned as a recognised centre for episcopal activity, a place of assembly, decision-making, and ecclesiastical authority within the early Irish church structure, long before the profound changes brought by the Hiberno-Norse and Normans. Legends further connect the site with St. Brigid of Kildare, recounting that seven bishops departed from Tully to visit her, these figures sometimes being referred to as the "Seven Bishops of Cabinteely". Such associations, even if legendary, underscore the site's perceived standing in the wider ecclesiastical landscape of the time. The original church structure is considered to have been founded between the 6th and 9th centuries AD, a period when it was known as Telach-na-nun ecspop. It was also during this era, specifically the 8th century, that the site became associated with the seven bishops.  

Archaeological evidence, such as the identification of two subsurface ditched enclosures surrounding the church, further supports its early origins, as such features are characteristic of early medieval ecclesiastical sites in Ireland. The continuity of sacred or significant use of the Tully locale is particularly noteworthy. The high crosses, for instance, are believed to predate the stone church , and some grave slabs also point to an earlier period of reverence. This layering suggests that the site was not chosen at random in the 6th to 9th centuries for the establishment of a Christian centre , but likely built upon an existing tradition or perceived spiritual significance of the place. This is a common pattern in the establishment of enduring sacred sites, where new forms of worship or commemoration are overlaid upon locations already imbued with meaning. This deepens the historical resonance of Tully, extending its importance beyond the visible ruins and connecting it to a much longer timeline of human activity and reverence in the landscape.  

B. Architectural Development: From Early Structures to Norman Imprint

The physical fabric of Tully Church tells a story of architectural evolution, reflecting broader cultural and ecclesiastical transformations in Ireland. While the current stone ruins are the most visible testament to its past, archaeological surveys suggest the possibility of an earlier church constructed from wood or clay and wattle, materials common in early Irish ecclesiastical architecture, predating the more permanent stone structure. This potential earlier wooden or wattle church would align with the 6th to 9th-century foundation period.  

The dating of the extant stone elements indicates several phases of construction. The nave, the main body of the church, is thought to date to the latter part of the 11th century , though some sources suggest a 13th-century construction. During the 11th century, the lands of Tully were granted to Christ Church by Sitric Mac Turcaill. A particularly significant later addition is the chancel, located at the eastern end of the church. This structure, unusually wider than the nave, is considered a late 12th or early 13th-century addition, a period corresponding with the consolidation of Norman influence in Ireland. The chancel features a finely executed wide Romanesque arch opening from the nave, a notable architectural element , and two rounded-headed east windows. This architectural sequence – from potential native Irish timber construction to an 11th-century stone nave, and culminating in a larger, more elaborate Norman-era chancel – physically embodies the major cultural and ecclesiastical shifts experienced in Ireland. The Norman chancel, often larger and more architecturally distinct than earlier naves, typically signifies the imposition of a new ecclesiastical order, reformed liturgical practices, and connections to the wider European Romanesque architectural tradition. The nave itself is alternatively dated to the 13th century, with the chancel addition being completed in this period as well.  

The strategic importance and development of Tully were also shaped by grants of its lands to powerful ecclesiastical bodies. The lands of Tully were granted by Sitric Mac Turcaill, a Hiberno-Norse ruler, to the Holy Trinity (Christ Church Cathedral) in Dublin. Later, in 1179, following the Norman intervention, the church was granted to the Priory of The Holy Spirit. Such grants were not merely administrative; they brought patronage, resources, and influence. The connection to major ecclesiastical centres like Christ Church in Dublin likely ensured Tully's continued importance and provided the means for architectural developments, such as the substantial Norman chancel. This patronage, however, also intrinsically linked Tully's fate to these larger, often distant, institutions.  

C. Centuries of Worship, Community, and Eventual Abandonment

Tully Church served as a place of worship and a focal point for the local community for several centuries. It remained in use until approximately 1615, operating under the authority of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, which was responsible for supplying clergy to maintain its functions. An inspection carried out in 1615 reported the church to be in good condition, suggesting ongoing use and maintenance at that time. However, its fortunes changed dramatically shortly thereafter. A report from 1630 described the church as having been badly damaged in recent storms and consequently falling into a ruinous state. Following this damage, the church was abandoned and gradually decayed into the ruin seen today. Some accounts note that after 1641 the church was no longer in use.  

The relatively swift decline of Tully Church, from being in "good condition" in 1615 to "ruinous" by 1630 , suggests that the storm damage occurred within a challenging socio-political and religious environment. The early 17th century in Ireland was a period of significant upheaval, marked by the aftermath of the Reformation, the Nine Years' War, the beginnings of large-scale plantations, and ongoing political instability. In such a context, the resources or the impetus for repairing churches, particularly those with pre-Reformation associations or those tied to older Gaelic or Hiberno-Norman ecclesiastical structures, may have been severely diminished. New authorities and patrons might not have prioritised the restoration of such a building, leading to its abandonment rather than repair.  

The abandonment of Tully Church around the 1630s is not an isolated incident but reflects a broader pattern of decline and ruin for many older Gaelic and Hiberno-Norman ecclesiastical sites across Ireland during the tumultuous 17th century. As power structures shifted, land ownership changed, and religious affiliations were contested, many ancient places of worship fell into disuse. Tully's story is thus a microcosm of these larger historical processes that reshaped the religious and cultural landscape of Ireland. Despite the church's ruin, the site retained significance, notably as the traditional burial ground for the Walshes of Carrickmines Castle, one of the dominant local families following the Norman intervention.  

D. The Historic Graveyard: Testimonies in Stone

The graveyard surrounding the ruins of Tully Church is a historical record in itself, with layers of burials attesting to its long-standing sanctity and continuous use by the local community. Significantly, some of the grave slabs found within the church grounds predate the 12th-century stone structure, indicating that the area was recognised as a burial place even before the construction of the Norman-era church. This aligns with the early burials noted from the 6th to 9th centuries AD. The use of the graveyard persisted long after the church itself fell into ruin, with headstones present that date up to the late 19th century. This continuous use, spanning potentially more than seven centuries after the church was abandoned around 1630, underscores the enduring sacred importance of the burial ground to the local populace, a reverence that transcended the functional life of the church building itself. Such longevity is common for ancient burial grounds, which often retain their communal significance for generations.  

Among the most archaeologically significant discoveries are four grave slabs of the Rathdown-type, dating to the 10th/12th centuries. These slabs feature distinctive designs that find parallels on artefacts uncovered in the Viking-age excavations in Dublin. It is suggested that they may have served as grave markers for Christianised Hiberno-Norse settlers. The presence of these grave slabs at an early Christian site like Tully is particularly illuminating. They are not merely burial markers but cultural artefacts that highlight the complex interactions, cultural fusion, and processes of assimilation that occurred between the Gaelic Irish and the Hiberno-Norse populations in the South Dublin region. Tully, in this context, appears to have served as a nexus for these communities, a place where individuals from different, yet increasingly intertwined, cultural backgrounds were laid to rest. As noted, the graveyard also became the traditional burial ground for the influential Walsh family of nearby Carrickmines Castle in the 12th century. Today, the historic graveyard, alongside the church and high cross, is recognised as one of the three National Monuments carefully incorporated into the design of Tully Park.  

E. The Lehaunstown High Crosses: Ancient Markers of Faith and Artistry

The sacred complex at Tully is further distinguished by the presence of two notable historic high crosses, ancient symbols of faith and remarkable examples of early Irish Christian artistry. These crosses, though differing in age and historical circumstance, contribute significantly to the archaeological and cultural importance of the site. They are believed to have been erected before the 12th-century stone church, placing their origins in the 6th to 9th-century period or shortly thereafter.  

One of these crosses, a 12th-century monument, stands in the immediate vicinity of the church ruins. It is particularly notable for featuring a relief carving of a bearded bishop, a detail that reinforces the site's ancient ecclesiastical connections and its name, Tulach na nEpscop. It has been suggested that this cross may be standing on what was the western perimeter of an outer enclosure of the early ecclesiastical site.  

The second significant cross is an earlier, 10th-century ringed-High Cross. This cross has a well-documented history of preservation. It was repositioned along the adjacent laneway in the 19th century through the efforts of a local man named James Crehan (or Grehan). Mr. Crehan intervened to save the cross from being discarded or damaged when the level of the local road was being adjusted in the late 1800s. He had the cross placed on a plinth, designed to replicate the soil removed, thereby maintaining the cross at its original standing height. This monument is sometimes referred to as "Crehan's Cross" in acknowledgement of his crucial intervention. Worn steps on one side of the plinth allow for closer inspection of the cross. Another account mentions a possibly older cross, with only three of its four arms remaining, located in a field adjacent to or opposite the church ; this appears to be the same 10th-century cross after its repositioning by Crehan. A photograph from circa 1910 shows this cross largely submerged underground before its more recent presentation.  

The distinct histories of these two principal high crosses illuminate different facets of heritage survival. The 12th-century bishop cross likely endured due to its continuous association with the sacred church site. In contrast, the 10th-century ringed cross owes its preservation to a specific, proactive intervention against the threat of destruction or neglect arising from infrastructure changes. This highlights that the survival of heritage is not uniform; it can depend on its original context and perceived importance, or on later individual or community actions. James Crehan's rescue of the high cross in the late 19th century is a noteworthy example of local heritage activism, predating more formalised state-led conservation efforts. His actions underscore a pre-existing local valuation and appreciation of these ancient monuments long before the current large-scale development and the formal creation of Tully Park. This local initiative laid a foundation, in a sense, for the more systematic preservation efforts seen today. The collective heritage of the crosses is now recognised, with "Tully High Cross" (referring to the site encompassing these monuments) designated as a National Monument and integrated within Tully Park, which opened in May 2023.  

III. The Pre-Development Context: Tully in its More Recent Historical Setting
Before the transformative impact of the Cherrywood Strategic Development Zone, Tully Church and its sacred precincts existed in a markedly different setting. The site was described in 2013 as an "interesting little hidden spot" , nestled in the landscape between the M50 motorway at Cabinteely and the expanding suburbs of Dublin city. From the elevated position of the burial ground, panoramic views over the city could be obtained, a testament to the strategic siting that likely contributed to its early importance. This description evokes an atmosphere of relative seclusion and perhaps a degree of obscurity for those not intimately familiar with the local area or specifically seeking out its historical treasures.  

Access to elements of the site, such as the second high cross (Crehan's Cross, after its repositioning), was less formalised than it is today. Prior to the park's development, this cross, located in a field opposite or adjacent to the church, was reportedly accessible via a low wooden fence. This suggests a landscape that, while not untouched by modernity, retained a more rural or semi-rural character, certainly less formally managed and less intensely developed than its current iteration within a structured urban park. The area was known as Laughanstown or Lehaunstown, names that still resonate in the locality and in the historical records pertaining to the church and its environs.  

This pre-development characterisation of Tully as a "hidden spot" implies that public engagement with the site was likely more limited, perhaps confined to local residents, historical enthusiasts, or those who made a deliberate effort to find it. This contrasts sharply with its present status as a highly visible, signposted, and managed heritage attraction within a major public park designed for broad community use. This shift in accessibility and visibility inevitably impacts the nature of public interaction with the monuments. The previous, somewhat secluded nature of the site might have offered a more contemplative, perhaps even "romantic" ruin experience for some visitors, an atmosphere of quiet discovery amidst a less manicured environment. This type of encounter is now inevitably altered by its integration into a structured, amenity-rich public park, which, while offering new opportunities for engagement, presents a different kind of "genius loci" – the spirit of the place – shaped by its new, more public and recreational context.  

IV. A New Horizon: The Cherrywood Development and the Reimagining of Tully
The recent history of Tully Church and its surroundings is dominated by the advent of the Cherrywood Strategic Development Zone (SDZ), a project of immense scale that has fundamentally reshaped the landscape and, with it, the context of these ancient monuments.

A. The Cherrywood SDZ: Scale and Vision of Urban Transformation

The Cherrywood SDZ represents one of Ireland's most ambitious urban development projects. Situated in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County, between the N11 and M50 transport corridors, the overall SDZ is planned to deliver circa 8,800 new homes, catering for a population in the region of 26,000 people. The development encompasses a new mixed-use Town Centre, three smaller Village Centres, residential neighbourhoods, schools, and extensive green infrastructure, including three major public parks – Tully, Beckett, and Ticknick – covering over 60 hectares. One of the key developers, Hines, is responsible for a 360-hectare landholding within the SDZ, projected to include over 8,000 new homes. The overarching vision is to create a "compact, mixed-use and rail-based community" , transforming what was a less densely populated area into a significant new suburban hub.  

The designation of Cherrywood as a Strategic Development Zone by governmental authorities was the primary catalyst for this rapid and large-scale transformation. An SDZ is a state-level planning instrument designed to fast-track the development of areas deemed of strategic importance, often for housing or economic growth. This framework mandates a planned, holistic approach to development, including the provision of necessary infrastructure such as roads, public transport links, and community amenities like parks. It was within this overarching strategic plan that the context of Tully Church was so comprehensively redefined, with the creation of Tully Park ensuring that the ancient monuments were not simply by-passed by development but actively incorporated into the new urban fabric.

The Cherrywood SDZ exemplifies a contemporary global trend in urban planning: the development of large, master-planned new suburban "towns" or "villages" complete with integrated amenities. Developers like Quintain, responsible for "Cherrywood Village," aim to create highly connected and diverse new communities with a strong emphasis on sustainable development and the protection of existing heritage sites. In such schemes, existing heritage assets, if present, are often identified and repurposed as cultural anchors, unique selling propositions, or focal points for community identity, lending character and historical depth to otherwise new environments. The explicit and central inclusion of Tully's National Monuments within the flagship Tully Park aligns perfectly with this model, leveraging the site's ancient legacy to enrich the new urban landscape.  

B. Archaeological Oversight and Heritage Management Amidst Development

Given the rich archaeological potential of the Cherrywood area, extensive archaeological oversight and heritage management strategies were integral to the development process. IAC Archaeology was appointed by Hines Ireland to undertake comprehensive pre-planning and pre-construction phase archaeological services for their substantial landholding. This work was multifaceted, involving detailed consultations with statutory bodies including the National Monuments Service (NMS), the Office of Public Works (OPW), and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCC) to agree upon standardised approaches to archaeological risk management across numerous planning applications.  

The archaeological investigations themselves were extensive, encompassing impact assessments, geophysical surveys, built heritage surveys, archaeological test trenching, continuous monitoring of ground disturbances during construction, and the full excavation of any archaeological remains discovered, followed by post-excavation analysis and reporting. These systematic interventions demonstrate a formal recognition of the archaeological sensitivity of the wider Cherrywood landscape, moving beyond reactive, ad-hoc discoveries to a more proactive, albeit development-led, methodology for heritage management. The landscape around Tully is known to be rich, with investigations uncovering features from the Neolithic to the post-medieval period, including Bronze Age wedge tombs, evidence of an 18th-century military camp (Lehaunstown Camp), and remains associated with former demesne landscapes.  

Specific attention was paid to the National Monuments. For Tully Church, pre-planning field inspections were carried out to assess its setting, and for the Tully High Cross, protective fencing was erected during the construction of Tully Park. Crucially, Archaeological Management Plans were prepared for the preservation in-situ of archaeological remains identified within both Ticknick Park and Tully Park. While "preservation in-situ" is a key conservation strategy that prevents the destruction of archaeological features, its implementation within newly designed public parks means that such remains become part of a managed, landscaped environment. This can involve landscaping over features or creating specific pathways around them, which, while ensuring their physical survival, inherently alters their original context and could potentially limit or complicate future research access compared to if they had remained in a less disturbed, undeveloped setting.  

Several stakeholders played key roles and voiced perspectives during this process. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCC), as the local planning authority, was responsible for the implementation of the SDZ, including public infrastructure and park development. Their objectives included delivering the Cherrywood SDZ's housing and amenity goals, creating high-quality public parks, and integrating heritage. They granted planning permissions, commissioned and now manage Tully Park, secured Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) funding for park development, and commissioned archaeological assessments for the Green Network.  

The National Monuments Service (NMS), the statutory body for archaeological heritage, aimed to ensure the protection of National Monuments like Tully Church, its graveyard, the High Cross, and nearby Wedge Tombs, and adherence to heritage legislation. They were consulted on all archaeological aspects, licensed archaeological works, and agreed on mitigation strategies such as preservation in-situ and protective fencing. The Office of Public Works (OPW), responsible for some National Monuments, was also consulted regarding development near sites like Tully Church and Lehaunstown Castle, with their interest being the protection and appropriate management of these monuments.  

An Taisce (The National Trust for Ireland), a non-governmental heritage organisation, advocated for heritage protection. They emphasised the importance of respecting historic relationships between sites, such as Tully Church and Lehaunstown Castle, and called for appropriate development in sensitive landscapes. They submitted observations and concerns regarding development plans, pushing for a holistic consideration of heritage.  

Developers, such as Hines Ireland and Quintain, as landowners, were responsible for constructing housing, commercial spaces, and infrastructure. Their objectives were to deliver commercially viable developments within the SDZ framework, create attractive communities, and meet planning conditions related to heritage. They appointed archaeological consultants like IAC Archaeology, funded investigations and mitigation measures, and were involved in the design and initial building phases of the parks.  

IAC Archaeology (and other archaeological consultancies) provided professional archaeological services. Their role was to conduct assessments, investigations, and mitigation works to professional standards and in compliance with NMS requirements. They carried out impact assessments, surveys, test trenching, monitoring, excavation, reporting, and prepared Archaeological Management Plans for preservation in-situ.  

Finally, the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), a government funding initiative under Project Ireland 2040, supported urban regeneration projects aligned with national strategic objectives. They provided significant funding for Phase 2 of Tully Park, enabling its completion and enhancement as a key public amenity.  

Heritage bodies such as An Taisce (The National Trust for Ireland) also voiced perspectives on the development. An Taisce highlighted the importance of fully respecting the historic relationship between Tully Church and the nearby Lehaunstown Castle (the remains of which are encased within Lehaunstown Park House) in any ongoing development. This concern underscores a broader "heritage landscape" concept, where the significance of a site like Tully Church is amplified by its connections to other nearby heritage assets. The development's focus on Tully Church as a centrepiece within Tully Park, while positive for its visibility, carries a potential risk of inadvertently overshadowing or de-emphasising these crucial interconnections with other elements of the historic landscape if these broader narratives are not carefully interpreted and signposted within the new public realm.  

C. The Creation of Tully Park: A Modern Green Space Embracing Ancient Monuments

Tully Park, officially opened in May 2023, stands as the 9-hectare flagship public park at the very heart of the Cherrywood development. Its creation represents a significant investment in public green infrastructure, designed to serve the recreational and amenity needs of the new and growing community. The park's design philosophy explicitly centred on the integration of the area's rich heritage. The three National Monuments – Tully Church, its historic graveyard, and the Tully High Cross (encompassing the site's crosses) – are not merely adjacent to the park but form a "distinctive heritage area" at its core. This approach suggests an intention to achieve a sensitive integration, framing the monuments and making them accessible rather than simply building around them. However, this also means that the monuments are now experienced as part of a consciously "designed" landscape, which shapes the visitor's encounter with them.  

The park offers a wide array of modern amenities, including outdoor fitness equipment, play and ecological trails, active and passive recreational areas, a children's playground, and a café (though the café was not yet open at the time of some reports). It has been designed with universal access in mind, featuring nine universal access points and numerous seating and rest areas throughout, ensuring it is a welcoming space for visitors of all abilities. The development of Tully Park was undertaken in two phases, with funding for the second phase significantly supported by the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), an initiative under the Irish government's Project Ireland 2040 framework. This substantial state investment underscores a national-level policy recognition of the value of high-quality green infrastructure, with integrated heritage elements, as a catalyst for successful urban regeneration and the creation of attractive, liveable new communities.  

The design concept for Tully Park, as articulated by MOLA Architecture who were involved in its masterplanning and completion for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council , aimed to create high-quality spaces with a range of facilities appropriate to its different segments. The park is conceived in four distinct zones, each with a different but complementary character, drawing inspiration from existing site features such as topography, hedgerows, and tree lines. This considered approach seeks to weave the new park elements into the existing landscape fabric, including the historic setting of the monuments.  

The Tully Church ruin, previously described as a partially overgrown "hidden spot" , is now a central feature of the "distinctive heritage area" within Tully Park. Pathways provide access around and potentially within parts of the ruin, and interpretative signage is assumed to be present. New park amenities in its proximity include a playground, café, open recreational lawns, ecological trails, and seating areas.  

The Tully Graveyard, a historic burial ground surrounding the church with headstones dating up to the 19th century and some areas likely overgrown before development , is now enclosed or delineated as part of the heritage area. It is accessible via pathways, features a maintained landscape, and is also assumed to have interpretative signage. It adjoins the church ruin and is close to the playground, café, and other recreational areas.  

The Tully High Cross site, which includes two main crosses (one near the church, and the second, Crehan's Cross, previously by a roadside on a plinth and accessed via a field fence ), now sees both crosses situated within the formal park landscape as part of the heritage area. They are accessible via pathways, and Crehan's Cross is no longer isolated by the roadside or field. These crosses are integrated within the park's network of paths and landscaped areas, near other recreational and ecological features.  

V. Tully Transformed: Heritage as a Public Amenity in the 21st Century
The integration of Tully Church, its graveyard, and high crosses into Tully Park marks a profound shift in their public role and perception. Once relatively secluded, these ancient monuments are now central, highly accessible features within a bustling modern public space, bringing both opportunities and challenges for their long-term preservation and appreciation.

A. From Relative Isolation to a Central Feature: The New Public Role

The journey of Tully's heritage assets from being a "hidden spot" or accessed somewhat informally via a field to their current status as prominent, easily reachable attractions within a major public park signifies a dramatic change in their public profile. This transformation can be seen as a form of "democratisation" of access to heritage. The monuments are no longer primarily the preserve of specialists, local historians, or particularly determined visitors. Instead, they are readily available for engagement by the general public, including the thousands of new residents of Cherrywood, local families using the playground, individuals on fitness trails, and potentially school groups visiting the park's amenities (as is envisioned for Beckett Park's sports facilities, a principle extendable to Tully for heritage education).  

This vastly increased visibility and accessibility brings with it immense potential for enhanced public awareness, education, and appreciation of local history and archaeology. However, this heightened exposure also necessitates more robust and proactive management and interpretation strategies. While the "democratisation" of access is a positive development for public engagement, it must be carefully balanced with measures to protect the physical fabric and the inherent significance of the monuments from the pressures of significantly higher footfall and diverse park uses.

The new role of Tully's heritage assets as integral components of a public leisure and recreation space could also subtly influence public perception. For many visitors, the ancient ruins and crosses will now be encountered alongside playgrounds, cafés, and sports facilities. This juxtaposition may lead to a shift where these monuments are viewed not only as sacred or purely historical sites but also as part of the backdrop to everyday leisure activities. While this can foster a sense of familiarity and integration, it might, for some, alter the perceived solemnity or distinctiveness of the heritage elements if their unique character and historical depth are not effectively communicated and respected within the park's overall design and management.  

B. Assessing the Impact: Opportunities, Challenges, and Perceptual Shifts

The transformation of Tully's setting presents a complex interplay of opportunities and challenges. On the positive side, the integration into Tully Park offers significant opportunities for enhanced public appreciation and understanding of this important heritage site. The increased visibility can foster a stronger connection between the new Cherrywood community and the deep history of the land upon which it is built. Educational programmes, informative signage, and digital interpretation can leverage this accessibility to bring the stories of Tulach na nEpscop, the Norman church, and the ancient crosses to a wider audience. Furthermore, a crucial practical benefit is that the site's physical maintenance and security are now part of the ongoing responsibilities of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, which manages the park. This structured approach to upkeep, funded through public resources, offers a degree of long-term stability for the monuments that might have been less certain in their previous, more isolated context, where they could have been more vulnerable to neglect or vandalism.  

However, challenges also arise. Increased visitor numbers inherently bring a greater risk of wear and tear to fragile historic structures and archaeological features. While the high visibility within a managed park may deter deliberate vandalism, accidental damage or erosion from foot traffic are potential concerns that require ongoing monitoring and management. There is also the challenge of potential decontextualisation. If the interpretation is weak or insufficient, the monuments might be perceived merely as picturesque ruins or landscape features, their profound historical, ecclesiastical, and cultural significance diminished or lost on the casual visitor. An Taisce's concern about respecting the broader historical relationships, such as that between Tully Church and Lehaunstown Castle , highlights this risk; the intense focus on the park-bound monuments could inadvertently obscure their connections to the wider historic landscape if these are not actively articulated. Finally, the process of "manicuring" a ruin to fit within a formal park setting – clearing vegetation, stabilising structures, laying paths – while necessary for safety and access, can alter its aesthetic character and the sense of "authentic" decay that some might associate with ancient ruins. The shift is from a quiet, perhaps overgrown and evocative ruin to a more managed, interpreted, and accessible heritage attraction.  

The ultimate success of Tully's transformation as a heritage amenity will therefore heavily depend on the quality, depth, and dynamism of the interpretative strategies employed. Effective on-site signage, engaging digital resources (such as apps or augmented reality), and potentially guided tours or community archaeology initiatives will be crucial. Without robust and thoughtful interpretation, the monuments risk becoming, for many, little more than "scenery" within the park, their complex narratives and deep significance failing to resonate fully with the diverse audience that now has access to them.

C. The Church, Graveyard, and Crosses: Integrated Elements within a Modern Public Space

The current reality for Tully Church, its graveyard, and the high crosses is that they are, as the initial query observed, undeniably "one element within a collection of public spaces." Their meaning and the experience of encountering them are now inextricably intertwined with the park's myriad other functions: recreation, socialising, fitness, play, and nature appreciation. This represents a significant layering of meaning onto a site already rich with historical and spiritual significance. The ancient sacredness of Tulach na nEpscop now coexists with the secular leisure pursuits of 21st-century park-goers. The monuments share their "stage" with playgrounds, fitness trails, ecological walks, and picnic spots.  

This integration means that the Tully monuments are now part of a dynamic, multi-layered landscape of meaning. For some visitors, the historical ruins and crosses will remain the primary draw, a destination for historical inquiry or quiet reflection. For many others, particularly local residents engaging in daily recreational activities, the heritage elements might form an atmospheric backdrop to their run, their children's play, or a family outing. This does not necessarily diminish the monuments' intrinsic value but rather embeds them within a wider spectrum of contemporary social and recreational values ascribed to the park by its diverse users. The site now simultaneously embodies ancient history, enduring sanctity, and modern community life.

The Tully Park model, if it proves successful in the long term at balancing the integrity of the heritage assets with the demands and expectations of a popular public amenity, could serve as a valuable exemplar. It demonstrates a potential pathway for how other historic sites located in rapidly urbanising areas can be preserved, interpreted, and made relevant to new and expanding communities. This approach offers an alternative to such sites being either swept away by development, left as isolated and neglected relics surrounded by new construction, or becoming exclusively academic preserves. The Cherrywood approach, by making heritage central to new public green space, is a proactive conservation and urban planning strategy.

VI. Conclusion: Continuity, Change, and the Future of Tully's Legacy
The journey of Tully Church, its ancient graveyard, and venerable high crosses is a compelling narrative of continuity and profound transformation. From its origins as Tulach na nEpscop, an important early Irish ecclesiastical centre, through centuries of worship, Norman influence, eventual abandonment to ruin, and a period of relative obscurity as a "hidden spot," the site has now emerged into a new era. Its current incarnation as a central, highly visible, and managed heritage feature within the modern, bustling environment of Tully Park in the Cherrywood SDZ marks the most dramatic contextual shift in its long history.

This transformation illustrates a delicate, and ongoing, balancing act between facilitating necessary urban growth and ensuring the meaningful preservation, interpretation, and appreciation of irreplaceable heritage. The integration of National Monuments into a public park designed for intensive community use is a bold strategy, one that brings both considerable benefits in terms of accessibility, public engagement, and secured maintenance, alongside inherent challenges related to potential wear, perceptual shifts, and the complexities of interpreting deep history within a recreational setting.

The future of Tully's rich legacy is now inextricably linked to the lifecycle, management, and community embrace of Tully Park and the wider Cherrywood development. Its continued preservation and the effective communication of its significance will depend not solely on its intrinsic historical and archaeological value, but critically on its perceived value to the new community it serves and the sustained commitment of the local authority, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, to its care and interpretation. The story of Tully is no longer just its own; it is now woven into the narrative of Cherrywood.

Ultimately, the reimagining of Tully within its new urban park context reflects a broader paradigm shift in heritage conservation. In an increasingly urbanised world, adaptation and thoughtful integration within new landscapes are progressively seen as viable, and at times essential, strategies for ensuring the survival and continued relevance of ancient monuments. The alternative might too often be their marginalisation or loss. However, the ultimate success of such an approach, as will be judged at Tully in the decades to come, hinges on an unwavering, long-term commitment to high-quality, engaging interpretation that honours the inherent dignity of the heritage asset, and a management regime that safeguards its physical fabric amidst its new, vibrant public role. Tully's stones have witnessed many ages; their capacity to speak to future generations now depends on the stewardship of the present.