Survey Data
Reg No
20913203
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic, Social
Original Use
Church/chapel
Date
1955 - 1965
Coordinates
110005, 42358
Date Recorded
12/05/2008
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Freestanding cruciform-plan gable-fronted Roman Catholic church, built 1960, comprising square-plan central two-stage tower with octagonal-plan third stage and copper spire, flanked by full-height pointed arches, and having five-bay double-height nave and transepts, with single-storey porches and sacristy. Pitched pantile roofs with copper alloy rainwater goods. Snecked split concrete block walls tooled stone quoins to tower. Square-headed recessed panel with mosaic to first-stage of tower. Pointed arch openings to windows with continuous hood moulding to east and west nave elevations, pre-cast render tracery and fixed metal framed stained glass windows. Rose windows to east and west elevations of transepts with pre-cast tracery. Segmental- and square-headed openings to entrances with timber battened doors and pedimented surrounds. Square and round recessed panelling with decorative mouldings to interior. Gallery to north and raised marble altar to south.
Appraisal
This twentieth century church stands in a prominent position on the outskirts of Skibbereen. Though modern materials have been adopted in its construction, it adheres to the standard late nineteenth century cruciform-plan of Roman Catholic churches. Retaining much of its original fabric intact, it is an excellent example of a pre Vatican II mid twentieth century church.