- Saint Breccan: May 6, c. 5th century: Associated with DunseverickBreccan is associated with Dunseverick, a coastal parish in Antrim, where he reputedly founded a church. A contemporary of St. Patrick, he is linked to the early spread of Christianity in northern Antrim. His life is sparsely documented, but local tradition honors him as a missionary bishop, and his name persists in Dunseverick’s ecclesiastical history.
- Saint Ciaran (Kieran) of Seir: March 5, c. 5th–6th century: Associated with Seir Kieran (historically linked to Antrim’s early Christian sites)While primarily associated with Seir Kieran in County Offaly, Ciaran (one of the “Twelve Apostles of Ireland”) is traditionally linked to Antrim through his early missionary work under St. Patrick. His influence in Ulster, including Antrim, stems from his role as a founder of monasteries and his ascetic life. His feast is observed in the region’s Catholic tradition.
- Saint Colman of Dromore: June 7, c. 6th century: Associated with Associated with Connor (Diocese of Connor)While primarily linked to Dromore in County Down, Colman studied under St. Mac Nisse in Connor, Antrim, connecting him to the county. A disciple of St. Finnian of Movilla, he founded the monastery at Dromore and is known for his holiness and miracles, such as calming storms. His time in Connor ties him to Antrim’s early Christian network, and his feast is observed in the Diocese of Connor.
- Saint Colman of Kilroot: October 16, c. 6th century: Associated with Kilroot, Templecorran, Colman, a disciple of St. Ailbe of Emly, is associated with Kilroot and Templecorran parishes in Antrim. He founded a church at Kilroot, near Carrickfergus, and is noted for his missionary work in the region. His life is less documented, but local tradition venerates him as a bishop who spread Christianity in east Antrim. The Church of Ireland parish of Kilroot and Templecorran continues to reflect his influence.
- Saint Comgall: May 10 or 12, c. 510–602: Associated with Bangor, Antrim Town, Founder of the influential Bangor Abbey (c. 558), Comgall was a key figure in early Irish monasticism, born in Antrim near Magheramorne. A disciple of St. Finnian of Movilla, he trained thousands of monks, including St. Columbanus, who spread Celtic Christianity to Europe. His monastery in Bangor was a major center of learning, producing the Antiphonary of Bangor. Known for his asceticism, Comgall’s feast is celebrated locally, and his legacy endures in Bangor’s ecclesiastical history.
- Saint Ere: November 2, c. 5th century: Associated with Ballymoney, DerrykeighanEre, a bishop and early convert of St. Patrick, is linked to churches in Ballymoney and Derrykeighan in Antrim. Tradition holds he was one of the first Irish bishops, possibly ordained by Patrick, and his work helped establish Christianity in the north. His feast is noted in early martyrologies, and his legacy endures in Antrim’s ecclesiastical tradition.
- Saint Finnian of Movilla: September 10, c. 495–589: Associated with Movilla (Moville), near Newtownards (historically part of Antrim’s ecclesiastical region)Finnian, one of the “Twelve Apostles of Ireland,” founded Movilla Abbey in County Down, near Antrim’s borders, and trained saints like Columba and Comgall. Born in Ulster, possibly near Antrim, he studied in Wales and brought back manuscripts to establish Movilla as a center of learning. His influence extended to Antrim through his pupils, and his feast is celebrated locally.
- Saint Lugh: August 1, c. 5th century: Associated with Maghera (Loughinsholin)Lugh (or Lugaid) is linked to Maghera, derived from “Machaire Ratha Lugha” (Plain of Lugh’s Fort). Tradition suggests he was a nephew of St. Patrick and founded a church in Maghera, Antrim. His life is obscure, but he is venerated for his missionary work and connection to Patrick’s evangelization efforts in the region. His feast aligns with the Celtic festival of Lughnasa.
- Saint Mac Nisse (Macnisius): September 3, c. 5th century: Associated with Connor (Diocese of Connor), Kells, The first bishop of Connor, Mac Nisse was baptized by St. Patrick and is considered one of Antrim’s earliest Christian leaders. Tradition holds he founded a monastery at Kells, near Connor, which became a significant religious center. His name appears in early Irish martyrologies, and he is venerated for his role in establishing Christianity in the region. The Diocese of Connor, encompassing much of Antrim, honors his legacy.
- Saint Molua (Lugaid): August 4, c. 6th century: Associated with Skerry, RathcavanMolua, another of the “Twelve Apostles of Ireland,” is associated with Skerry and Rathcavan parishes in Antrim, where he may have founded churches. A disciple of St. Finnian, he is known for his monastic foundations, including Clonfert in Galway, but his early work in Antrim reflects his missionary zeal. His feast is celebrated in local Church of Ireland parishes.
- Saint Olcan: February 20, c. 5th century: Associated with Armoy, Ramoan (Ballycastle), Olcan, a disciple of St. Patrick, was ordained bishop and sent to evangelize in Antrim. He founded churches in Armoy and Ramoan (near Ballycastle), where he is venerated as a local patron. Tradition suggests he was educated in Gaul and baptized by Patrick, contributing to Antrim’s early Christian communities. His legacy persists in the Diocese of Connor
- Saint Patrick: March 17, c. 385–461: Associated with Templepatrick (Teampall Phádraig, meaning “Patrick’s Church”), Slemish, Ballymena, Ireland’s primary patron saint, Patrick was captured by Irish pirates at 16 from Roman Britain and enslaved in Antrim, likely near Slemish, herding animals for six years. After escaping, he returned as a missionary, spreading Christianity. Tradition credits him with founding churches in Antrim, including Ballyeaston, one of four early churches in the area (with Rashee, Ballycor, and Ballynure). He is said to have baptized converts at holy wells and used the shamrock to explain the Trinity. His legacy includes Armagh’s ecclesiastical prominence, though Antrim sites like Slemish are central to his story.
Antrim:
Introduction – 1837 – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Castles – Contact list – Dining – Equestrian –Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells – Hotels – Instagrammable– Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies –Musicians – Name – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random facts – Restaurant Awards – Saints – Spas – Sports – Sunsets – Sustainable – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Writers
Saints
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
