Graveyard, Benagh Rd, Kilkeel, Newry, Co Down, BT34 2JE

This is a disused graveyard located on a low hill on the east side of Benagh Road, near Kilkeel, County Down. The site is of considerable antiquity and is believed to be the location of a Patrician church. It is designated as an archaeological monument. The graveyard is enclosed along the road by a granite wall, with access provided via a gate and stone steps leading up from the road. Field hedges define the remaining boundaries. Within the graveyard, the random rubble foundation walls of a small building are visible, near which lie three headstones: two upright and one collapsed. The two upright headstones are made from slate and bear dates of 1871 and 1878. The collapsed headstone is of limestone and its inscription is now illegible. Grass overgrowth conceals any other potentially surviving gravestones.

According to local tradition, the site marks the location of a church founded by St Thuan in the 6th century AD, which had fallen into ruins by 1622. The oldest gravestone, though not currently visible, is believed to have dated to 1781. An 1834 Ordnance Survey map depicts the site as a "grave yard" and also shows a small, rectangular roofless structure, possibly the remains of the original church. An 1859 map indicates the presence of a “school house” abutting the north-east corner of the graveyard, measuring approximately 14 yards by 6 yards and being one storey in height. This schoolhouse was owned by the Church Education Society and was in use until the earlier part of the 20th century. Historical records mention that the graveyard is derelict.