Newtown – An Baile Nua

7. St. Patrick’s Church is an early nineteenth-century church built in the Gothic-revival style.  It has been described as a reduced version of Cobden’s Carlow Cathedral and is regarded as one  of the finest Gothicbarn-type  churches in Ireland.

Exterior of Newtown Church

The granite-built church dates from c. 1830 and has a T plan. The attractive, three-bay exterior has a large central window flanked by quatre-foilwindows over doorcases. In the centre of the façade is a mosaic of the Blessed Virgin, dated 1954, celebrating the Marian year. Above this is a bellcote which in turn is surmounted by a cross. The bell dates from 1900 and was cast  by a Dublin foundry.

The interior has retained its three galleries and simple Gothic reredos. The decorative plasterwork on the ceiling is particularly eye-catching and is believed to be the work of Italian refugee artisans who were working locally in Fenagh House at the time the church was being built. The decoration features the motif of the grape and the grain.

Interior of Newtown Church

The stained glass windows are by Joshua Clarke who was the father of Ireland’s most famous stained glass artist, Harry Clarke. His vibrant piece depicting St. Patrick, the church’s patron, is of significant artistic merit.

DID YOU KNOW 

Watch stones at the back of the church on the right hand side

In the graveyard behind the church can be seen two granite slabs with circular apertures. These are believed to have come from a watch-house located in the cemetery to deter corpse stealing for medical research or financial gain.

Open: Daily

Admission: Free

Parking: Yes

 Gothic: Style of architecture, originating in the middle ages, characterised by pointed arches. When used in more recent times, it is described as neo-Gothic or Gothic revival.

 Barn-church: Church built to a simple T plan with a large internal space. This style was often used by the Catholic Church in the early nineteenth century.

 Quatre-foil: Open-work design or ornament divided into four lobes.

 Reredos: A screen or panel behind an altar.

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