A Quiet Architectural Gem
Tucked away in its own peaceful grounds to the northeast of Killybegs town centre, St. John’s Church of Ireland is one of the town’s most charming 19th-century landmarks. Built in 1829 and extended between 1859–1862, the church is surrounded by a historic graveyard featuring a range of 19th-century gravestones, including recumbent and upstanding markers, some still enclosed by ornate iron railings.
According to the Irish National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, St. John’s is a fine example of muted Gothic Revival architecture, typical of small-scale Church of Ireland buildings of the time. Its pointed-arched windows, simple ashlar surrounds, and original Y-tracery timber windows contribute to its enduring visual charm.
One of the church’s most distinctive features is its unusual stepped tower and stumpy spire at the west end—quite rare among churches built under the Board of First Fruits. These elements give the building a unique silhouette and mark it out as architecturally significant within the region.
Still standing with much of its original character intact, St. John’s offers a quiet space for reflection, history lovers, and those interested in Ireland’s ecclesiastical heritage.
