Survey Data
Reg No
14917031
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic, Historical, Social
Previous Name
Saint Francis's Catholic Church
Original Use
Church/chapel
In Use As
Church/chapel
Date
1840 - 1850
Coordinates
239579, 227565
Date Recorded
04/02/2005
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Detached three-bay gable-fronted single-cell Roman Catholic church, built in 1841, with semi-circular apse, side chapels and modern extensions to rear. Pitched roof with stone cross finial above front entrance. Roughcast rendered walls with nap plinth and quoins. Round-headed window openings with stone sills. Triple round-headed niches with stone sill above entrance door with plaster ogee-headed arch. Plaque above main door reads 'Dom. Ecclesia SS Francisi de Assisi et Brigidae aedificata 1841 AD.' Pointed-headed door opening with stone arch. Single-cell interior with flat ceiling and apse behind altar. Timber organ gallery to west end with timber uprights. Cast-iron bell on site manufactured by Byrne of Dublin. Site bounded by wall with gates.
Appraisal
Saints Francis of Assis and Bridget's church is an important ecclesiastical structure in Offaly. Situated on the Kilbeggan branch of the Grand Canal, it may have provided mass for those travelling along its route.