churches historical ireland

Youghal has been a flourishing town since the 13th century, if not before. It was sacked by the Rebel Earl of Desmond in 1579. In 1588-9 its mayor was Walter Raleigh, who, though he spent little time in it, is alleged by tradition to have planted the first Irish potato there. Owned by Richard Boyle (afterwards Earl of Cork) in the early 17th century, it was blockaded by Lord Castlehaven in 1645. Cromwell, to whom the town gave allegiance, used it as the base for his Irish expedition, and sa...

Across the road from the friary is Killegy Churchyard. A large cross marks the grave of Henry Arthur Herbert, builder of Muckross House, who died in 1866. The 18th century reconstructed church was built as a mortuary chapel for Maurice Hussey of Cahernae, late Colonel in the army of James II, who died in 1714. The original church on the site was probably the 12th-13th century parish church....

St Brecan's Church Ruins reputed to be Derry's oldest building situated in St Columb's Park a quiet woodland by the side of the River Foyle these ruins are said to be the remains of the oldest building in Derry dating back to the 6th century.

Admission: Free

Opening: All year winter daylight hours / Summer 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m....

This church dates from 1737....

A focal point of the northern midlands where the provinces of Leinster, Ulster and Connaught all converge, Longford, where history and literature, tragedy and triumph are all woven together, takes its name from the ancient stronghold of the O'Farrell family (Long Fort - Fort of the O'Farrells). Bordered to the West by the majestic River Shannon, Longford is a county of rolling plains and picturesque stretches of water. The highest pint of the county, Cairn Hill, is only 279 m high, but from a...

The only remaining wall of the original church stands, and walk the short distance to the mill. Founded by the Cistercians in the 12th century, the development of the waterwheels to provide mechanical power was mainly motivated by a desire to give this contemplative order more time for prayer and relection.

The derelict site was wonderfully restored by the Abbey Mills Restoration Trust when they acquired the property in 1989. Besides the impressive waterwheels, the centre now contai...

The village of Hospital has it’s origins in a Commandery of the Knights Hospitallers founded in 1215. And the origin of this church as the church of that Commandery is immediately seen from the three effigies of knights. A grotto now occupies the top floor, which was originally part of the living quarters....

This beautiful building dates back to the seventeenth century but its excellent state of repair is due to the refurbishment carried out by a Rev. Joseph Espine in the 1730's, and later alterations carried out in 1872 when the vicarage was bought back by the Swords Vestry....

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...

Originally the site of an ancient Augustian Abbey this church was erected in 1872 replacing the previous "Chapel of Ease" built by Sir Henry Docwra for the settlers. Architect: JG Ferguson. A neo-Gothic church built of whinstone with sandstone dressings, " it is delightfully situated on the City walls, surrounded by its graveyard and a pretty parish school and hall" (Byrne and Frazer). Hammerbeam roof inside. Listed building.

Sited on the West Wall near Bishop's Gate this beautiful...