The heart of this sacred complex is a sub-rectangular graveyard, marked at its western entrance by a striking tall, plain ringed high cross that has stood sentinel here for centuries. This early Christian site occupies prime agricultural land with gentle slopes towards the lough to the east, a location that would have been carefully chosen by its founders.

Within the graveyard walls, visitors can explore the remnants of two churches, one of which served the local community as a medieval parish church. Alongside these ecclesiastical buildings stands what appears to be a mortuary house or tomb shrine, suggesting this was once an important pilgrimage site or the resting place of a revered holy figure. The graveyard continues to reveal its secrets; during a clean-up scheme in 2010, workers discovered a remarkable carved stone slab measuring just 33cm high. This small but significant piece features a relief carving of a monk’s head with distinctive protruding ears and hunched shoulders, offering a rare glimpse into the artistic traditions of early Irish monasticism.

The Cooley Cross Heritage Committee has carefully documented these features, creating detailed plans that help visitors navigate this historically rich site. Their work ensures that each element, from the imposing high cross to the newly discovered stone carvings, can be properly appreciated and understood within the context of Ireland’s early Christian heritage. The site at Cooly represents a continuous thread of religious observance stretching from the early medieval period through to the present day, with the graveyard still serving its local community.