churches historical ireland

In the centre of Coleraine on the original site of St. Patrick's foundation of the 5th Century. Parts of the present church date from 1613 and it contains many fine and moving memorials. To the rear of the church are the remains of the earthen wall or rampart which surrounded Coleraine in the early 1600s....

Waterford was founded by the Vikings around 914 and initiated its own episcopal See in the 11th century. It was taken by Diarmuid Mac Murrough Kavanagh, and later fell to Strongbow who married MacMurrough's daughter in the now no longer existing Cathedral in the town. In medieval times it was a flourishing port, loyal to the English crown. However, it lost status by remaining Catholic, and submitted to Cromwell's son-in-law in 1650. In the 18th and early 19th century, the town had a famous g...

Situated in Greyfriars, the French Church was so called because the original Franciscan Abbey (1240) was given to Huguenot refugees as a place of worship in the 17th century....

Little now remains of the very early monastery founded on this site by St. Mogue, in the sixth century. A pleasant concentration of ancient crosses and other early Christian artefacts survive....

This small church boasts a well-preserved Romanesque doorway dating from the 12th century. Much of it from the 15th century. It was already in ruins by 1657....

The monastery at this site is believed to have been founded by the great reformer Oenghus the Culdee (815AD). The present church on the sight dates back to the 15th or 16th century, and incorporates part of an older church, with later renovations occurring throughout history. Excavations of the near-by 65-foot Round Tower found human bones and a solid clay floor....

There was a church at this site since at least 1209, but the current one is barely earlier than 15th century. The East window is divided into three panes, and then the middle one divided again in the same manner, which is probably the most unusual feature of the building....

This 15th century church is very well preserved. The belfry is very like a turret, and this combines with its narrow windows to give it a curious fortified look....

A Church and some relatively recent buildings (1950) to your left, constitute the Franciscan Friary. Visitors are welcome to walk in the beautifully laid out grounds, reflect in the delightful garden or relax with a cup ot tea in the tearoom. A viewpoint at the western end of the grounds overlooks the broad expanse of Rossnowlagh beach.

The Donegal Historical Society's Museum is housed here and is open to the public all year....

It is often said that this is the earliest surviving church in Co. Limerick, and indeed it is probably earlier that 12th Century. Much of the west gable has been reconstructed. Unfortunately nothing is known of the church’s history....