A Landmark of Faith and Architectural Grandeur
St. Mary’s Church, located in the heart of Killybegs, stands as a prominent symbol of local Catholic faith and historical significance. Its construction was initiated in 1833 by Rev. William Drummond, P.P., who secured the site thanks to the generosity of Alexander Murray, the local landlord. Murray not only donated the land but also recommended the renowned London architect John ‘Buonarotti’ Papworth to design the church.
The result was a striking building, praised by architectural historians for its soaring interior. As noted in The Buildings of Ireland (1979) by A. Rowan:
“What is exciting inside is the volume – one great high hall, 100ft by 46 ft – opening through arcades of three immensely slender arches in the middle of each long side to the airy transept-like extensions of the hall.”
Remarkably, stones used in the construction were sourced from the ruins of McSwyne’s Castle at nearby St. John’s Point, adding a tangible connection to the region’s medieval past.
The first Mass in the new church was celebrated on Christmas Day, 1843. Later, on 6th August 1854, it was formally dedicated as St. Mary of the Visitation by Archbishop Paul Cullen of Dublin.
Around two decades after its dedication, three magnificent stained-glass windows were installed in the chancel above the main altar. Crafted by the German firm Meyer, known for their ecclesiastical work throughout Ireland, the windows depict:
St. Catherine of Siena (centre),
The Mother of God (left),
St. Catherine of Alexandria (right), patron saint of Killybegs.
In 1868, the ornate headstone of Niall Mór Mac Suibhne, the famed chieftain of Banagh and former owner of McSwyne’s Castle, was moved from Ballysaggart Friary and placed in front of the church. Later encased in glass to prevent weather damage, it now rests beside the church, visible from the small gate down the steps to the left of the main entrance.
Today, St. Mary’s Church is not only a place of worship but also a protected historical structure. It was officially added to the Record of Protected Structures by Donegal County Council on 1st December 2003.
