St. Crumnathy's Cathedral, Achonry

St. Crumnathy's Cathedral is a church building in Achonry constructed between 1820 and 1825 with a three-bay nave, a three-stage tower, and an octagonal spire. The structure sits within a grass-covered churchyard surrounded by stone walls and was deconsecrated in 1998.

The building was rebuilt in 1823 and served as a shared cathedral for the dioceses of Killala and Achonry. It was constructed on the site of an earlier monastic settlement that had long served the local community.

The name St. Crumnathy refers to an early saint connected with this region. The building displays the typical style of a Church of Ireland cathedral with pointed windows and limestone details, reflecting how Protestant places of worship looked in 19th-century Ireland.

The building is visible from outside but typically closed to regular visits and sits within a quiet churchyard on the edge of town. It is best viewed during daylight when the exterior architecture is clearly lit and the grounds are easily accessible.

A datestone carved with 1822 marks the entrance above the tower's south face, showing visitors when construction was completed. This small detail reveals how important it was for those who built it to record this moment of renewal.

GPS coordinates: 54.08280,-8.66690

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:41