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St. Patrick’s Church
St. Patrick’s Church
St. Patrick’s Church is an early nineteenth-century church built in theGothic-revival style. It has been described as a reduced version of Cobden’s CarlowCathedral and is regarded as one of the finest Gothic barn-type churches inIreland.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-foil windows overdoorcases. 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 bya cross. 
The bell dates from 1900 and was cast by a Dublin foundry.The interior has retained its three galleries and simple Gothic reredos . Thedecorative plasterwork on the ceiling is particularly eye-catching and is believed tobe the work of Italian refugee artisans who were working locally in Fenagh House atthe time the church was being built. The decoration features the motif of the grapeand the grain.The stained glass windows are by Joshua Clarke who was the father of Ireland’smost famous stained glass artist, Harry Clarke. His vibrant piece depicting St.Patrick, the church’s patron, is of significant artistic merit.22 23Did You Know…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 detercorpse stealing for medical research or financial gain.
Open: Daily | Admission: Free | Parking: Yes
Myshall – Míseal – Low Plain
Romanesque church founded by St. Finian
Myshall lies at the foot of the northern slopes of the Blackstairs Mountains which provide a magnificent backdrop to the rich pasture lands and winding country roads which surround the village. St. Finian, known as the ‘tutor of the Saints of Ireland’ and founder of the celebrated monastery of Clonard, Co. Meath, was born in Myshall about 470 AD. The village contains the remains of a 8. Romanesque church that Finian founded in the sixth century.
Local tradition also links St. Columbanus, Ireland’s first great European saint, with the area. Tradition holds that he was allegedly advised by St. Croine Bheag of Carlow (see St. Patrick’s Trail) to leave home to follow his monastic education. His journey took him to Bangor which enjoyed a close association with Carlow town. A stained-glass window in the 9.Catholic Church of Exaltation of the Holy Cross commemorates Myshall’s association with St. Columbanus.
Catholic Church of Exaltation of the Holy Cross - courtesy T. Doolan
10. St. Brigid’s Well is an ancient holy well that is now a modern shrine.
DID YOU KNOW
Double bullaun stone in front of the Romanesque church
In the graveyard you will see a double bullaun stone and if the sun hits the Blackstairs in the right way, you might see two vertical lines called the Witch’s Slide running down the side of the mountain. Together these landmarks form a colourful ancient story about a Carlow witch who had a falling out with her neighbour, threw a stone (said to be the standing stone in Clonee), slid down the mountain and fell to her knees where she left two imprints in the bullaun stone!
Adelaide Memorial Church - courtesy T. Doolan
This church was raised by John Duguid of Dover, England, in memory of his wife Adelaide and his daughter Constance who was killed in a riding accident while visiting friends in Myshall. Described as an architectural gem, it was designed by George Coppinger Ashlin, one of the foremost architects in the country as a miniature of Salisbury Cathedral in England. It stands in beautifully maintained grounds, accessed by a yew-lined drive.
The Statue of Innocence - Adelaide Memorial Church courtesy Dr. M.J. Blade
The memorial statue of ‘Innocence’ carved from Sicilian marble commemorates Constance, and in fact it was the sculpture’s inability to withstand the harsh Irish weather in its original outdoor location that prompted John Duguid to build the Adelaide church protectively around it.
No surface in the building was left unadorned and delicate carving can be found everywhere and especially on the Bathstone which lines the interior. Trefoil 
designs predominate apart from the panels near the mausoleum where John, Adelaide and Constance Duguid are buried. Here the English rose and Scottish thistle are found; (Mr. Duguid was of Scotch descent, his wife was English).
The finest materials were used everywhere. The design of the marble floor in the chancel was taken from St. Mark’s in Venice while the stained marble steps came from Galway and the red granite pillars from Aberdeen. Behind the altar is a luminous fresco depicting The Last Supper, adapted from Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting at Milan.
The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci courtesy Dr. M.J. Blade
The church was consecrated in September 1913 and continues, under the name of The Church of Christ the Redeemer, to provide a beautiful place of worship for the local Church of Ireland community.
Entrance - Adelaide Memorial Church courtesy Dr. M.J. Blade
Delicate carving - Adelaide Memorial Church coutresy Dr. M.J. Blade
Open: Key available locally from Mrs. Bridie Daley, white bungalow opposite church grounds. Tel: 059-9157671
Admission: Free
Parking: Yes in the village
Trefoil: Three-lobed form of ornamentation, especially in tracery.
Double bullaun stone in front of the Romanesque church
Romanesque church
Romanesque church
Myshall lies at the foot of the northern slopes of the Blackstairs Mountains whichprovide a magnificent backdrop to the rich pasture lands and winding country roadswhich surround the village. St. Finian, known as the ‘tutor of the Saints of Ireland’ andfounder of the celebrated monastery of Clonard, Co. Meath, was born in Myshall about470 AD. The village contains the remains of a 8. Romanesque church that Finianfounded in the sixth century.
Catholic Church of Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Catholic Church of Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Local tradition also links St. Columbanus, Ireland’s first great European saint, withthe area. Tradition holds that he was advised by St. Croine Bheag of Carlow (see St.Patrick’s Trail) to leave home to follow his monastic education. His journey took himto Bangor which enjoyed a close association with Carlow town. A stained-glass windowin the 9. Catholic Church of Exaltation of the Holy Cross commemoratesMyshall’s association with St. Columbanus.
St. Brigid’s Well
St. Brigid’s Well
10. St. Brigid’s Well is an ancient holy well that is now a modern shrine.
