St. Mary's Church of Ireland
St. Mary's Church of Ireland
St. Mary's Church of Ireland
4.5
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
About
The Church was built in 1870s on the site of former churches. It is thought to be the ancient site of the early churches from which the town gets its name "Church of the Sloes" in Irish is Cill Airne (Killarney). This church is noted for its matching set of vibrant stained glass windows, its organ (the church's acoustic is fabulous) and its decoration. It is situated between the Hotel sector and the main shopping area. Many visitors pop in to see the beautiful interior, to pray and light a candle, or for our free concerts which take place in the summer season. The concert programme features visiting choirs and orchestras from around the world. These concerts are free; we invite donations after the concert for our Restoration Appeal. Occasionally there is a ticketed concert (available on the door) to raise money for other causes. All concerts are advertised on the notice board (and our Facebook page) and all start at 8pm. We are especially proud to host each year the Spraoi Chiarrai concerts that feature local young Irish musicians who are being given their first taste of public performance. They play traditional Irish music on traditional instruments. The local Schools of music and dance also have concerts; it can be quite never wracking for these young people as it is their first time in public. This is the Church of Ireland building (not to be confused with the Roman Catholic Cathedral also called St Mary's on the other side of town).
Duration: < 1 hour
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4.5
120 reviews
Excellent
70
Very good
35
Average
13
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Anne Doran
Cork, Ireland343 contributions
Aug 2020
It's wasn't my first time to Killarney, but it was my first time to visit this Church today. I was the only person visiting this amazing church. Loved the stained glass windows and the tranquility that was inside the walls of this lovely church, which is located off the Main Street in Killarney. A Holy Well of St Mary is located across the street and was something that I had never seen before, and this church also had a number of visitor leaflets and a place to light a candle. Would recommend and hopefully will visit again the next time I visit the welcoming place of Killarney.
Written 9 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your reflections on our lovely church. We are always open to anyone of any faith or none; not just for the beautiful stained glass windows and the decoration, but also for the tranquility and prayerfulness of this ancient sacred site. This building—one of many that has been built on this site over the centuries—celebrates its 150th Anniversary in two weeks' time: it was consecrated on 26 August 1870. It was built to replace a rather dilapidated church that was built in 1800 because the people of Killarney wanted a church that befitted the numerous visitors. It certainly lives up to that billing!
We have recently completed (notwithstanding the Coronavirus Pandemic Lockdown) a restoration of the stained glass windows in the south elevation and in the Great West Window, also replacing the secondary protective glazing; there is now much more light coming in the windows and they look fabulous. Most of the windows came from the same studio in NE England around 1888 and so form a matching set. Another innovation has been the installation of special lighting to shine out through the windows so those passing by at night also get a great view of these beautiful windows while the church is closed.
Every blessing to you; and stay safe and well.
Written 13 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Edwelsh
North Canton, OH7,334 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
We walked by this little church and went inside. Just off the hustle and bustle of the busy street, it offered a peaceful retreat. The inside was tidy and comfortable, the stained glass windows beautiful. It seems to have a long and meaningful history. It’s hard for us Americans to appreciate the centuries old history in Europe, but we understand how important it is.
Written 3 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KJun2018
DeRidder, LA36 contributions
Jul 2019
On a foot tour in Killarney, we decided to take respite inside this beautiful church. Even though there were several tourists, everyone was respectful and quiet. Beautiful building - inside and out
Written 30 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We often find that people sense the deep tranquility and peacefulness of our ancient church, and appreciate it. The current church (150 years old next year) is built on the site of the scared centre of the community, with evidence of churches back into the 11th Century. It is a magnet not only for those seeking a sacred interlude, but also for those interested in the chequered history of Ireland's religious ancestry.
We welcome any and all visitors for whatever reason.
Written 17 October 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DoloresJacoby.Let’sTravel.98368
West Palm Beach, FL12,459 contributions
Jun 2015 • Solo
I noted the church as I walked across the street through Killarney National Park. I might not have gone in as it was evening around 9 but I noted a sign posted across from the church describing stained glass windows. One in particular was of Jesus. I noted the doors were open so I entered. It was lovely in every way. There was a little concert happening and I was invited to stay and listen. It was a very peaceful experience.
Written 15 January 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're often open in the evening when we have concerts that are free to enter. We like to welcome people to enjoy beautiful music from visiting choirs/orchestras and to stay to enjoy the beautiful windows. Thank you. #lovekillarney
Written 26 March 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Varcsix
Waco, TX118 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
Never visited a church more welcoming to the tourist. Loved their prayers designed especially for those of us traveling in Ireland. A very spiritual moment for me. Their history and that of Ross Castle and Killarney is told as well. Church of the Sloes "Cill Airne".
Written 19 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your kind words. It is good to know that you found it so inspiring; that encourages us to continue in the same vein to improve our welcome and outreach. Every blessing (gach beannacht) to you on your journeys both physical and spiritual and may you be brought home safely.
Written 20 September 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
podrozniczka60
New Jersey17,016 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
It is worth a short visit. Externally in gothic style it is pretty and somewhat modern in its atmosphere inside.
Written 25 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. The Roman Catholic Cathedral on the other side of Killarney is a Gothic Revival building, the interior decoration of which was stripped out in 1973. Our's is a Church of Ireland building in the centre of town. It was built around the same time as the Cathedral and it has splendid decoration inside. We have a problem with the fact that both are dedicated to St Mary! Your description would seem to fit the Cathedral better, and not our little church.
Written 18 June 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jack H
Seattle, WA19 contributions
Aug 2012 • Couples
St. Mary's Church (Church of Ireland) on Main Street in Killarney center is distinct from the Catholic St. Mary's Cathedral Killarney on Port Road, about 800m away.
This 19th century protestant church is cozy and quiet. The organ is well worth a look. This is a nice place to visit for a few minutes while walking through Killarney center.
This 19th century protestant church is cozy and quiet. The organ is well worth a look. This is a nice place to visit for a few minutes while walking through Killarney center.
Written 29 August 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. We also take great joy in the reaction of people to our set of matching stained glass windows. We run tours of them on Saturday mornings in the summer.
Written 18 June 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jeff K
Pittsburgh, PA2,436 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
The church is pretty impressive from the outside. The interior is not that unusual, however. The stained glass is nice but looks fairly new. Worth a stop if you’re walking by but I would not go out of my way to see it.
Written 2 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
retireeVancouver
Vancouver, Canada1,827 contributions
Jun 2023
The organist was playing hymns in the late afternoon of my visit which enhanced my visit to this 19th C church in Killarney's town center. Inside, what caught my eye were the colorful wall stencils, unusual for Anglican churches, I would think. Of course the many grouped lancet stained glass windows were outstanding, done in striking royal blues, emerald greens, reds, with splashes of yellow.
The church is located on the main shopping road and also nearby to Killarney Plaza Hotel and Killarney House and Gardens. A red wrought iron picket fence surrounds the church. Expect to park your car on the street. Mainly a 15 minute photo opportunity for me.
Don't confuse this church with St. Mary's Cathedral further outside of town.
The church is located on the main shopping road and also nearby to Killarney Plaza Hotel and Killarney House and Gardens. A red wrought iron picket fence surrounds the church. Expect to park your car on the street. Mainly a 15 minute photo opportunity for me.
Don't confuse this church with St. Mary's Cathedral further outside of town.
Written 22 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex S
Dublin, Ireland31 contributions
Apr 2020
St. Mary's Church is the beating heart of Catholic Ireland. One of the national symbols of our country!
Written 26 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Written 10 November 2017
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