Here stands St David’s Church in Kilsallaghan. It is a centuries-old church with an even more ancient ecclesiastical site. The ruins of a castle stand in the next field.
It was once thought that St David’s was built as the castle’s chapel. Historians have now determined otherwise. Archaeological evidence shows that a church was here long before the castle. The castle’s defenses and the layout of the churchyard intersect.
St David’s is dedicated to Saint David. He is best known as the patron saint of Wales. The church is simple in the classic Georgian style. Later additions include Victorian lamps. It also includes a single beautiful Edwardian stained-glass window.
The stained-glass window was commissioned by Harry Clarke. He was the stained-glass artist of An Túr Gloine fame. Michael Heaney assembled it. He was a pupil of Clarke’s.
In 1812, the present St David’s Church was built. The Board of First Fruits supported the build. In 1871, the parish was united with Swords. Donabate joined the United Parish in 1968.
St David’s contains stained glass windows. The artist was Michael Healy. He lived from 1873 to 1941.
Up until the 17th century, there was a chapel of ease at Chapel-Midway. It was roughly halfway between Kilsallaghan and St. Margaret’s. The ruins of the chapel are within the walled graveyard. Fingal County Council now manages it. There have been occasional interments even in recent years.
In 1864, Rev. Crofts Bullen donated land for a nominal sum. This helped to facilitate the building of the first Kilcoskan National School.
Bishop John Gregg served as Rector of Kilsallaghan. Archbishop Robert Gregg was his son. He was born in the rectory. Brian Lenihan Jnr is buried in the churchyard. He was a former government minister.
St David’s has recently undergone extensive renovations. Ian Falkiner and his wife Fran dedicated themselves to this work. Now it’s in perfect condition.
The church has been re-opened to the public for services and events. It’s the ideal venue for a country wedding. Local cultural groups meet there regularly. The Historical Society of Oldtown and Rolestown are among them.
St David’s Church receives great support. Non-Church of Ireland people live in the locality. The annual Carol Service held each December is a celebration. It’s a celebration for the whole community in this tranquil rural place of worship.
Services are held in St David’s Church regularly. They are on the second and fourth Sundays of the month at 11.30 a.m. Kilsallaghan is situated approximately 15 km north of Dublin City. It is easily reachable via the M1 Dublin to Belfast Motorway. Exit at Swords and then follow the road to Ashbourne.
The beautiful church building in its country setting makes it a favorite of many. St David’s is a comparatively compact church. It seats around fifty-five people. It has a small but very faithful congregation. Like our other churches, St David’s Church is a centuries-old church on an even more ancient ecclesiastical site.