Swords holds a treasure in plain sight. Here before us stands St. Columba’s Church. It is more than just a building. It’s a landmark with a story that stretches back centuries.
St. Columba’s Church in Swords is on the site of an old monastery. St. Colmcille founded that monastery in the year 560. Imagine religious life here so long ago.
The church we see today wasn’t always here. Francis Johnson designed it. Construction finished in 1818. It cost £2,500. The church is an Anglican church.
But the story goes back further. The round tower beside St. Columba’s Church is said to have been built in the 9th century. That makes it incredibly old. A cross was added to the top in the late 17th century. It marked it as a Christian tower.
Look at the square tower, the clock tower. It dates back to the 14th century. It was added to the ancient abbey. An engraving from 1791 shows the belfry tower. It also shows remains of medieval church walls. These walls were taken down in 1830. That was when St. Columba’s Church was being rebuilt.
Consider this site’s history. St. Columba’s Church is likely the fourth church on this spot. The site dates back to the monastery founded around 550 AD. Saint Columba founded it. The monastery was burned ten times. Vikings and warring Irish tribes caused the fires. The monks rebuilt each time. The monastery became one of the most powerful in Ireland.
In 1014, the monastery church waked the body of High King Brian Boru. His funeral cortege rested here overnight. It was on the way to his burial place in Armagh.
Notice the Victorian Sexton’s Lodge. It was built in 1870. It cost £140.
St. Columba’s Church stands on Church Road. It is near the main street of Swords. The church and its towers are on a hill. This makes it easy to spot from anywhere in Swords.
This place has seen centuries of change. St. Columba’s Church is a testament to faith and resilience. It is a landmark that continues to watch over Swords. Take a moment to appreciate the long history beneath your feet.