After visiting Baltinglass Abbey I went to see a majestic granite Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church. This church is located on main street on Weaver’s Square, in Baltinglass town, County Wicklow.
It amazed that a small country town like Baltinglass were able to raise such lavish church building. It is well worth to visit inside.
The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage describes St Joseph’s Church in Baltinglass as detached multiple-bay single-storey Roman Catholic church, built c.1860 in Early English Gothic style to designs by John Bourke. This is a well preserved example of a mid 19th-century church. It is a somewhat unusual choice of style for church of the period. It adds a bearing and dignity to the general area. The interior is particularly well preserved and has an impressive exposed trussed roof.
The construction of the present St Joseph’s Parish Church commenced in 1845. Due to the Famine of 1845 to 1847 work was suspended for a number of years. The Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, Rev. Dr. Walshe dedicated the Church on the 21st of April, 1855.
One of the most striking features of St Joseph’s Church is the magnificent main altar in the French style made of wood and carved by a local carpenter named Evans. This was erected by 1883. Masses are now celebrated on a smaller altar opposite the main central feature. The ornate ceiling and side altars also adorn the interior of this beautiful Church. The hurch has beautiful stained glass windows as well.
For more information visit: www.baltinglassparish.ie
Location of St. Joseph’s Church, Baltinglass:
Below my photos taken in September 2021.
