Churches of Ireland

One thing that alights bright in mind with the mention of Ireland is the churches. The churches of Ireland stand tall and graceful silently telling the history as have occurred since they were constructed. Each church, in a way, is like a history book imparting knowledge to its visitors about how Christianity entered Ireland, its effect on the life of people of Ireland and how these churches have withstood the vagaries of time and are still look elegant and magnificent. While it is not possible to tell about all the churches of Ireland in just one page, some of the churches are described here.

Clonmacnois Churches

This monastery was founded in 548-49 by St. Ciaran, after abandoning his cell on Hare Island in Lough Ree was helped by Dermot, a local prince, in erecting the first posts for the church. When Dermot became the High King shortly afterwards, he richly endowed the monastery. St. Ciaran died soon after the foundation but the monastery grew rapidly. It was plundered six times between 834 and 1012, and burned 26 times between 841 and 1204.

Costello Chapel

The smallest chapel in Ireland and probably the second smallest chapel in the world is a fine specimen of a man's true love for his wife.  Edward Costello built this chapel in the memory of his wife Mary Josephine Costello after she died at the age of 47 on 6^th of October 1877.

Derry Christ Church

Set at the foot of Brooke Park, This church was originally built in 1830 by Bishop Knox. It was called the Free Church as it was intended solely for the poorer classes. Gradually, it became the most bourgeois of all the churches. The church was completely rebuilt in 1903 and since then called the Christ Church by Bishop Alexander.

Knock Basilica

Knock Basilica is visited by one and a half million pilgrims every year. Private pilgrimages take place all year round while special ceremonies and devotions are conducted between April and October. In 1976, the Basilica of Our Lady, Queen of Ireland was opened here, which could accommodate around 12,000 people. The gable of the old church where the apparition took place in 1879 still remains the focal point of the shrine.

Kylemore Abbey

Situated in the center of Connemara, this unparalleled abbey oozes warmth and hospitality of its peaceful environs to visitors from all over the world. Its enchanting history is illustrated in detail in rooms at the abbey. At a distance of a short walk is the church, which a fine example of Gothic architecture.

Saint Cronans Church Cross and Round Tower This monastery was active during the 12th century. However, it was either plundered or burned four times during this period. Only the west facade of the 12th century Romanesque church is remnant beside the road. The figure of a bishop or abbot probably St Cronan is at the round headed doorway and on each side of the door is a series of blind arcades.

Saint Nicholas's Church

This church enjoys the reputation of being one of the most interesting and ecclesiastically important churches in Ulster. It dates back to the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ulster by John De Courcy, when he established the Norman stronghold of Carrickfergus circa 1180 AD. The Church lies at the centre of the town and is dedicated to St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, patron saint of Sailors, children and benefactor to the poor.

Saint Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral

St Patrick built a stone church on the hill known as Druim Saileach (Sallow Ridge) in 445 AD. Irish Monastic Schools was constructed around the church building. Brian Boru High King of Ireland was buried on the north side of the great church in 1014.

Saint Paul’s Church

It was designed by John Nash and completed in 1817 at a cost of IR2, 307. This church is a pleasant model of Gothic Revival building. It is significant also because it is one of the only two known Nash designed churches to have survived. The interior reflects a fine workmanship of superb plasterwork, stained glass and a vast array of wall plaques.

Temple Benen

It is a small early church or oratory situated on a bare limestone ridge above the village of Killeany on Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands in Galway Bay. It has been named after a 5^th century saint, Benen or Benignus but is older than the saint. The architectural features include steeply pitched gables, narrow trabeate doorway with inclined jambs and the exceptional size of the stones in the side walls. The interior is only 7 feet wide.

GOWEALTHY.COM © 2006

For comments: editor@gowealthy.com