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Church of Saints Peter & Paul: A Renaissance Masterpiece in Athlone

Discover Athlone's architectural gem: a Baroque Revival church with stunning stained glass and rich history on the River Shannon's banks.

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The Church of Saints Peter and Paul, a prominent Roman Catholic Church in Athlone, County Westmeath, stands as a testament to Ireland's rich religious and artistic heritage. Built between 1932 and 1939 in a Baroque Revival style, it is known for its impressive dome and stained glass windows.

A brief summary to Church of Saints Peter & Paul

Local tips

  • Take your time to admire the stained glass windows, created in the Harry Clarke style, depicting various religious scenes.
  • Visit the church during daylight hours to fully appreciate the vibrant colors and intricate details of the stained glass.
  • Check the parish website for mass times and other liturgical celebrations if you wish to attend a service.
  • Explore the area around the church, including Athlone Castle and the Luan Gallery, for a more complete Athlone experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Athlone Castle, walk west along the River Shannon on the Connaught Walk. The Church of Saints Peter and Paul will be on your left, a short distance from Sean's Bar. The walk is approximately 5 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From Athlone Railway Station, Bus Éireann routes A1 or A2 will take you to the town center. Alight near the Golden Island Shopping Centre and walk west towards the River Shannon. The Church of Saints Peter and Paul is a short walk from there. A single fare on Bus Éireann within Athlone costs approximately €2-3. Alternatively, Bus ATH1 runs between Golden Island Shopping Centre and Athlone Institute of Technology, every 15 minutes, Monday to Saturday.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available at the Athlone Train Station and on Church Street. A taxi from the train station to the Church of Saints Peter and Paul will cost approximately €8-12. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

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Discover more about Church of Saints Peter & Paul

Located on the western bank of the River Shannon, the Church of Saints Peter and Paul is a significant landmark in Athlone. Its history is linked to the 12th-century Cluniac Abbey, the Priory of St. Peter and Paul. After the Abbey's dissolution, a small chapel was built in 1795, which was later expanded in 1809. The present church was completed in 1937 and designed by Irish architect Ralph Byrne in a Baroque Revival style. The church's exterior features a neoclassical façade with twin towers and a pedimented entrance. Constructed with Portland stone, ashlar limestone, and copper detailing, the building makes a powerful architectural statement. The interior boasts a spacious nave and altar, adorned with marble work and cast iron elements. The stained glass windows, crafted in the Harry Clarke workshop by Richard King, depict scenes of Saint Peter, Saint Paul, Saint Patrick, the Last Judgment, and Purgatory. These windows showcase elongated fingers, expressive eyes, and a mesmerizing use of color, drawing visitors into a world of spiritual and artistic wonder. The Church of Saints Peter and Paul is more than just a building; it's a place of worship and community gathering. It is part of the Ss. Peter and Paul Parish, serving Athlone West and surrounding areas. Visitors can admire the architecture, stained glass windows, and historical significance of this landmark.

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