Historic Churches & Cathedrals

This collection highlights the diverse ecclesiastical heritage of the Connacht region, ranging from the 12th-century Romanesque ruins of the Nuns' Church at Clonmacnoise to the 19th-century Neo-Gothic grandeur of Saint Muredach's Cathedral. It includes Kylemore Abbey’s Benedictine monastery, the intricately carved doorway of Clonfert Cathedral, and a traditional Mass Rock used for clandestine worship during the Penal Laws. These sites represent centuries of architectural evolution and religious history across counties Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon.

Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey is a Benedictine Monastery founded in 1920 on the grounds of Kylemore Castle, in Connemara, County Galway, Ireland.

Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon

The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Roscommon, is the parochial church for the parish of Roscommon in the Roman Catholic Diocese of…

Clonfert Cathedral

Features a world-renowned 12th-century Romanesque doorway with six concentric arches and intricate carvings. The site was originally founded as a monastery by St. Brendan the Navigator in 563 AD.

Saint Muredach's Cathedral

This Neo-Gothic cathedral in Ballina was commissioned in 1827. It features impressive stained glass windows, including work from the renowned Harry Clarke studios, and serves as the seat of the Bishop of Killala.

The Cathedral Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Nathy

Ballaghaderreen Cathedral is the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Achonry.

Church of Our Lady of Lourdes

A Roman Catholic parish church serving the local community in the Erris region of County Mayo.

The Nuns' Church

Part of the Clonmacnoise monastic complex, these 12th-century ruins were commissioned by Dearvorgilla. The site is noted for its well-preserved Romanesque chancel arch and decorated west doorway.

Mass Rock

A historic stone altar used as a clandestine site for Roman Catholic Mass during the 17th and 18th centuries when the Penal Laws restricted public worship in Ireland.