CHURCHES in Ireland’s county Antrim

All Saints’ Parish Church, Antrim: Designed by John Bowden (tower, 1816). Built in 1596, this Elizabethan Gothic church is among Ireland’s oldest parish churches still in use. Endowed by the Massereene and Clotworthy families, it features a burial vault beneath a side chapel, a rare stained-glass panel depicting the martyrdom of St John the Baptist, and a silver Communion plate from 1701. The tower, added in 1816, was funded by the Board of First Fruits. Archaeologists suggest the site sits on a medieval burial mound. Church Street, Antrim town.
St Patrick’s Church, Jordanstown: Designed by William Henry Lynn. Constructed in the 1860s, this church showcases the Hiberno-Romanesque style, blending Irish and Romanesque elements with intricate detailing. Its robust design reflects Lynn’s mastery, influenced by Victorian aesthetics. The church serves as a community hub in Jordanstown, with its striking south-east elevation drawing attention. Jordanstown, near Belfast.
St George’s Church, Belfast: Designed by John Bowden. Opened in 1816, this is Belfast’s oldest Church of Ireland church. Its Classical design, with a simple yet elegant façade, reflects early 19th-century Anglican architecture. The church has hosted events fostering hope and reconciliation, including a 2025 reflection led by international figures like Professor John Paul Lederach. High Street, Belfast.
St Peter’s Cathedral, Belfast: Designed by Father Jeremiah Ryan McAuley. This Catholic cathedral, opened in 1866, features distinctive twin spires added in 1886. Designed by a priest-turned-architect, it was funded by philanthropist Bernard Hughes. A Grade A listed building, it stands as a symbol of Catholic resilience in Belfast’s Falls Road area. Divis Street, Falls Road, Belfast.
Belfast Cathedral (St Anne’s): Designed by Thomas Drew and William Henry Lynn. Begun in 1899, this Romanesque cathedral replaced an earlier Classical church, retaining only the Good Samaritan Window. Its basilican form and semi-circular arches define its aesthetic. The cathedral serves as a central Anglican worship site and hosts cultural events. Donegall Street, Belfast.
St Colmcille’s Catholic Church, Belfast: Opened in 1907, this Hiberno-Romanesque church on Upper Newtownards Road reflects early 20th-century Catholic architectural trends. It serves East Belfast’s Catholic community, blending traditional Irish elements with Romanesque influences. Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast.
St Matthew’s Church, Belfast: Designed by Welland and Gillespie. Built between 1870 and 1872, this Grade A listed Church of Ireland church features a Celtic Revival Neo-Gothic style with a distinctive round tower and curved slated roof. Its unique design draws on early Irish Christian architecture, making it a landmark in East Belfast. Sydenham Hill, Belfast.
St Patrick’s Parish Church, Glenarm: This Grade B+ listed Church of Ireland church, located near Glenarm’s harbour, occupies the site of a medieval Franciscan friary. Built with support from the Earl of Antrim, it retains visible archaeological remnants and serves as a focal point for the village’s Anglican community. Glenarm, near the Glenarm River.
Glenarm Non-Subscribing Church: Constructed in 1762 on land donated by Alexander, Earl of Antrim, this Grade B1 listed church is a simple double-height structure with a hipped roof and a later gabled porch. It reflects the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian tradition, emphasizing simplicity and independence. Glenarm village.
St John’s Church, Islandmagee: One of East Antrim’s oldest places of worship, this Church of Ireland church remains in regular use. Its history ties to the region’s early Christian heritage, with a simple design reflecting its long-standing role in the community. Islandmagee, near Larne.