Hidden Gems. My Top Irish Churches

Written by Lulu O'Sullivan

Poisoned Glen, Donegal. A stone church tower stands prominently against a backdrop of a snow-capped mountain under a partly cloudy sky.

Greetings from Ireland everyone. So this week I'm taking you on a tour of my favorite Irish churches. Ireland is home to an abundance of beautiful churches, cathedrals and oratories. I have chosen my list of hidden gems in remote locations surrounded by stunning scenery. I recommend trying to visit at least one of them if you're planning a trip to Ireland this year. So let's buckle up and get on the road!

Lulu's Top Irish Churches

1. Dunlewey Church

Dunlewey Church. A church with a tall spire stands on a hillside, surrounded by lush greenery and wildflowers. In the background, a calm body of water reflects the cloudy sky, while rolling hills stretch into the distance.

First stop County Donegal. Dunlewey Church nestles at the foot of Mount Errigal in the heart of the Poisoned Glen. The scenery here is truly breathtaking. Errigal slopes down on one side while Lake Dunlewey shimmers on the other.

The Irish Store pick for hillside hikes; Donegal Herringbone Zipper Jacket

A man stands in a grassy field, wearing a blue zip-up jacket and jeans. He smiles subtly while looking toward the background, which features a calm river and distant mountains under a clear sky.

2. Gallarus Oratory

Gallarus Oratory. A stone structure with a curved roof stands in a grassy area, surrounded by a low rock wall. The landscape features rolling hills under a cloudy sky. A person walks in the background.

The Gallarus Oratory stands handsomely amid farmland on the Dingle Peninsula in Co Kerry. A place of worship for early Christian farmers of the area. Shaped like an upside-down boat, the simple dry-stone structure has remained waterproof to the present day. The building stands in perfect condition. A beautiful structure surrounded by the rural and picturesque beauty of Dingle. Worth mentioning too that this stunning county is also home to the master craftspeople at Mucros Weavers, makers of our number one bestselling Irish flat cap, the Men's Heritage Plaid Irish Flat Cap

3. Gougane Barra Church

Gougane Barra Church. A stone building with a steep roof sits beside a calm lake, surrounded by greenery and distant hills under a cloudy sky. — Gougane Barra Forest Park, Cork

Gougane Barra Church lies west of Macroom in Kenmare Bay, Co Cork. The church dates back to around 1700. During the times of the Penal Laws, Gougane Barra's remoteness made it a popular place for the celebration of the Catholic Mass. Famous for it’s picturesque location and richly decorated interior.

4. Croagh Patrick's Summit Chapel

Stone building on a mountain top with clear blue sky

©Failte Ireland

So next we're off to the gorgeous county Mayo. Croagh Patrick overlooks the stunning Clew Bay in County Mayo. The mountain is famous for its annual Patrician Pilgrimage in honour of Saint Patrick. It is said that Saint Patrick fasted for forty days in 441 at this very place. A place of worship has existed here since the time of St. Patrick. The current chapel dates back to 1905. The views from here are spectacular.

County Mayo is also home to some of the makers of our Aran sweaters, including our 5 star favorite Women's Heritage Crew Neck Aran Sweater

A woman stands on a stone pier by the water, wearing a charcoal Aran sweater, gray jeans, and a flat cap. Behind her is a small boat docked near the shore. The sky is overcast, suggesting a cool atmosphere.

5. Saint Kevin's Kitchen Church

Saint Kevin's Kitchen Church. The image shows an ancient stone church and round tower set against a backdrop of lush greenery. Visitors can be seen walking around the historical site, which features remnants of structures and gravestones. The sky is partly cloudy, adding to the peaceful atmosphere. — Glendalough, Co. Wicklow

Time to head eastwards now to County Wicklow. St Kevin's is situated in the stunning Glendalough. The small round tower is one of the very few intact structures still standing at this ancient monastic site. The tower resembles a chimney, hence the nickname "kitchen church".

6. Ballintoy Church

Ballintoy Church. A white church with a tall pointed steeple stands near the shore, surrounded by gravestones. In the background, cliffs rise above a calm sea under an overcast sky.

Our final stop takes us all the way up to the stunning Antrim coast. Ballintoy Church was founded by the Stewart family who settled on the north coast in 1560. The distinctive white church on the hill above the harbor commands majestic views. Giant's Causeway is only about an hour away so well worth a stop off if you're exploring that part of the country.

Shop our full collection of Aran sweaters, Celtic jewelry and Authentic Irish Homeware below.

Slán go fóill!

Lulu.

LULU O'SULLIVAN

Hi everyone. I'm Lulu O Sullivan and I founded The Irish Store in 2011 fuelled by my passion for all things Irish; its places, its people, its culture and its craft. At The Irish Store we are dedicated to bringing you, our worldwide community of valued customers, the very finest Ireland has to offer. Thanks for dropping by!