1861 – St. Mary & Michael, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow

Designed in 1856 by one of the most prolific and prominent church architects of his time J.J. McCarthy, and dedicated in 1861. Several features of the church take their inspiration from the monastic settlement at Glendalough. Reputedly the infamous Archbishop John Charles McQuaid’s favourite church, the interior has had its plaster removed to reveal the stonework at some stage. Stained glass by Mayer of Munich.

A fine example of Gothic design, it consists of nave and chancel with side aisles, chapel porches, a sacristy south of the chancel. The chancel arch rises from Columns of Galway marble resting on corbels of Caen stone carved into figures of the patrons. The twelve granite pillars represent the twelve apostles.

This church consists of nearly the same plan as the foregoing, but it has a chancel arch, and the roof of the chancel is lower than that of the nave, The style is more ornamental that that of Celbridge, being transitional between Early English and Decorated. Its size is clear is 105 feet by 50 feet in width. The west gable is surmounted by a very handsome bellcote for two bells. Material of walling is granite, and the works are being carried on under the charge of Mr. Crimean, clerk of the works. The church is currently in the progress of roofing. The Builder, March 27 1858