Church

St Michael, Enniskillen

St Michael, Enniskillen

St Michael’s is the Catholic parish church on Darling Street, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, in the Diocese of Clogher. It is listed Grade B+ (HB12/17/003). Northern Ireland listings are not entered as Historic England or Cadw URLs.

Location
Enniskillen, County Fermanagh
Country
Northern Ireland
County
County Fermanagh
City / town
Enniskillen
Address
Darling Street, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, BT74 7EW
Postcode
BT74 7EW
Built
1870–75; foundation stone 15 August 1871
Consecrated
17 March 1875
Architect
O'Neill and Byrne; builder James Hughes
Denomination
Catholic Church
Dedication
Michael
Diocese
Clogher
Parish
Enniskillen and Lisbellaw
Grade
B+
Style
French Gothic Revival
Materials
Dungannon sandstone, random-coursed rough-faced
Opening hours
Open daily, check for worship times.
Access
Ramp or level access available on request

Overview

The present church is the third on the site. A modest church of 1803 was followed by a larger building of 1840; after the gallery was judged unsafe in 1867 that church was demolished. Construction of the present building began in 1870. The Diocese of Clogher and the Impartial Reporter record the foundation stone on 15 August 1871 and dedication on St Patrick’s Day, 17 March 1875, under Archdeacon James McMeel. The Dictionary of Irish Architects attributes the design to O’Neill and Byrne, with contractor James Hughes of Charlemont.

The style is French Gothic Revival: a tall nave with side aisles, flying buttresses on the west face, an apsidal chancel and a later square bell tower. The Stone Database for Northern Ireland records Dungannon sandstone, random-coursed and rough-faced. The original belfry and broach spire were omitted because of the soft foundation. The façade has tall lancet windows and a tympanum carved by Purdy of London with scenes of the Last Judgement.

Further Information