churches historical ireland

SORD COLUMBCILLE is the ancient name of this town, meaning the well of pure water of the dove of the Church. The "Dove" means St. Columba, (from "Colombe" a dove). His sanctity caused him to be called the "Dove of the Church" (from the Latin "Cella"). The well is the one which the Saint caused to be made, which can still be found, near this place, a well of pure water, used to this day.

St. Columba founded the town about 560 A.D. He left Ireland in 563 A.D. to go to Iona, so the t...

Along with Our Lady's Church, this is the oldest church in the lower valley. Dating to Kevin's lifetime, it is said to have been founded for St. Mocherog, a grandson of Brachan, King of Britain. Mocherog was a close friend of Kevin and was privileged to administer the Last Rites to the founder of Glendalough during Kevin's last moments on earth. Trinity Church was notable for having a 20 metre Round Tower incorporated into its design but, unfortunately, it was destroyed during a fierce storm...

A small church dedicated to St Cronan of Roscrea, or Tuamgraney. The original lintelled doorway in the west wall was blocked up when an arched doorway was inserted into the north wall, probably some time in the 15th century. In the exterior walls there are some grotesque Romanesque heads, so the church probably dates from the 12th century. Near the church is a stone tomb-reliquary of uncertain date, which is locally said to mark the grave of St. Cronan. Another stands in the adjoining field....

Teampall Beanan (Temple Benan) near Arkin Castle and higher up, prominently silhouetted on the skyline, is the small church of Saint Benan dating from early Christian times....

The church is of uncertain date; it is a broad rectangle in plan, and was heavily restored in 1915 but more carefully in 1989. Unusually, it has a door in the north and south as well as the east wall. Its most interesting feature is the broken lintel over the east window (possibly re-used from an earlier church?), which has equal-armed crosses lightly incised on its interior face. Beneath it a grave was found during excavations in 1915, and was claimed to be that of St, Tassach himself. To t...

The exact date of the building of the parish church is uncertain. Some experts suggest that it was built in 1204 by William de Burgh. Other experts put the day later, however, the church was in use before 1228.

It is the town's most significant ancient building and incorporates several features of architectural interest - stained glass windows, one of which commemorates the family of William Tinsley, Clonmel's Victorian Architect.

Its most significant visual impact comes from...

Dalkey Island 7th Century Christian Church is a small church dedicated to St. Begnet.
This was later used as a living quaters for the builders of Martello Tower and Gun Battery in 1804.

People can visit the island by boat in the summer months, by asking the local fisher men at the nearby harbours....

Knock Shrine attracts one and a half million pilgrims every year. Private pilgrimages take place all year with a special programme of ceremonies and devotions between April and October. Increasing numbers of pilgrims prompted the then Parish Priest, Monsignor James Horan to build the largest church in Ireland at Knock. In 1976 the Basilica of Our Lady, Queen of Ireland was opened here, with accommodation for over 12,000 people. The gable of the old church where the apparition took place...

Mid 18th century Gothic building with one of the most outstanding spires in the Midlands. In the vestry there is a list of Rectors of the parish dating from the 1400's and silver chalices donated by Lord Longford. Private Joseph Ward is interred in this graveyard. Born in Kinsale, he was one of the first to be awarded the Victoria Cross for distinguished Bravery for his part in the crimean war and Indian Mutiny....

Completed in 1819, this almost Spanish-looking church was built on land donated by James de Basterot of Duras....