Church of St Peter & St Paul


Designed by Irish architect Ralph Byrne and completed in 1939, this colossal neoclassical church stands opposite Athlone Castle. Its stained-glass images of St Peter, St Paul, St Patrick, the Last Judgement and Purgatory were created by Richard King in the Harry Clarke Workshop.


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1. Athlone Castle

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Inside this low, hulking 13th-century riverside castle, modern displays bring to life the tumultuous history of the town and detail life here through the…

2. Luan Gallery

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On the river opposite the castle, this contemporary art gallery has rotating exhibitions by top Irish artists.

3. Nun's Church

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Beyond the site's boundary wall, about 500m east through the modern graveyard and on the way to the Mongan Bog, is the secluded Nun's Church with…

4. Temple Finghin & Tower

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5. Oratory

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Church services are often held at this open-air area.

6. Clonmacnoise

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Gloriously placed overlooking the River Shannon, 7km northeast of Shannonbridge, Clonmacnoise is one of Ireland’s most important ancient monastic cities…

7. Temple Connor

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Temple Connor originally dates from the 11th century but has many later features, including a quite modern roof; services are still held here. As it has…

8. Temple Ciaran

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The small churches at Clonmacnoise are called temples, a derivation of the Irish word teampall (church). Tiny Temple Ciaran is reputed to be the burial…