This rectangular rubble-built church, measuring roughly 13.2m by 5.5m internally, dates back to at least 1622 when it was recorded as being in ruins before undergoing repairs. The structure features distinctive architectural elements including a round-headed single-light window in the east gable with moulded jambs and a Transitional-style architrave, whilst the south and north walls contain several simple rectangular windows with lintelled openings. A secondary cross wall creates a vestibule at the western end, and traces of plaster still cling to the interior walls, hinting at the building’s former grandeur.

The church’s turbulent history is written in its very stones and roof slates. Following its 17th-century repairs, the building likely received a roof of local Boylagh stone slate, quarried from nearby Portnoo or Beltany. The Board of First Fruits funded another renovation in 1760, and by the 18th century, the church may have been re-roofed with purple Welsh slate. Local folklore preserves a dramatic tale of Saint Crone’s displeasure with these “heretical” improvements; according to an Irish poem, the saint caused the roof to collapse one night in protest at the lead and slate covering, and when a replacement was installed, it too was destroyed by lightning. By the early 1800s, the abandoned church had lost its roof entirely, with the salvaged slates being repurposed as headstones in the surrounding graveyard, where they can still be seen today bearing early 19th-century inscriptions.

Templecrone forms the heart of an ancient pilgrimage landscape that extends well beyond the church walls. The traditional turas, or pilgrimage route, undertaken on 7th July for the feast of Saint Crone, encompasses several sacred sites: a holy well known as Tobercrone 150 metres west of the church (now dry but still receiving offerings), a penitential station 34 metres west-southwest of the graveyard wall where pilgrims leave dedicatory gifts, and according to local tradition, a third holy well on the island of Illancrone some 2.1km away. Historical accounts suggest that Franciscan monks once established their church and monastery on grounds adjoining Saint Crone’s, though their “three very extensive buildings” described in 1920 have yet to be definitively identified; grass-covered wall footings west of the church may represent these lost structures.