Local lore maintains that St. Buadan founded an early Christian church on this very spot, though the original structure fell into disuse during the 17th century when Protestant settlers took control of the area. The medieval church that once stood here has long since vanished, but its memory lingers in the bones beneath the soil; road workers widening the street through the village have uncovered human remains, testament to centuries of burials that extended far beyond the current churchyard boundaries.

Today’s church dates from 1739, with a tower added nearly a century later in 1828, likely built atop or very near the foundations of its medieval predecessor. The original graveyard was considerably larger than what remains visible today, stretching from the present church grounds all the way to Ardmore, where remnants of the old burial ground can still be found. This expansive cemetery served the community for generations before the reformation and beyond, creating a palimpsest of Irish Christian history beneath the modern village streets.

Perhaps the most tangible link to Culdaff’s early Christian past is St. Buadan’s Bell, a remarkable 9th century artifact that remains in the village to this day. These hand bells, typically cast in iron or bronze, were essential items for early Irish monasteries and churches, used to call the faithful to prayer and mark the hours of devotion. That this ancient bell has survived over a millennium speaks to the deep reverence the local community has maintained for their patron saint and their enduring connection to Ireland’s early Christian heritage.