Irish Times Notes15 Aug 25

Church of Ireland Notes from ‘The Irish Times’

Heritage Week

The annual culture fest which is Heritage Week is upon us and, as always it presents opportunities to visit churches and cathedrals, some of which will have special programmes of events. Inevitably the large city cathedrals will have the most extensive programmes.

For example, in Christ Church cathedral, Dublin, tomorrow (Saturday) there will be self–guiding kids archaeological historical trails, and international tours in French, Portuguese, English, Ukrainian and Spanish, a tower tour and a tile workshop. On Sunday the Eucharist and Evensong will be sung by Lux Brumalis, directed by Christ Church bass lay vicar, David Yau. On Tuesday there will be a Norman Foundations tour and on Thursday a crypt tour. For more information, go to https://christchurchcathedral.ie/whats-on

In St Patrick’s cathedral, Dublin, there will be family workshops, children’s concerts, tours of the belfry and churchyard and a joint tour of the cathedral and neighbouring Marsh’s Library. Tomorrow (Saturday) at 6.30pm David Leigh will give an organ recital and on Wednesday at 6.30pm there will be a concert with mezzo soprano Sarah Thursfield, and pianist David O’Shea. For details of all these events, see stpatrickscathedral.ie/events.

For those who would like to get out of the city, Killiskey parish church, Nun’s Cross, a quiet gem of Wicklow history, opens its doors on Sunday 17 August and Sunday 24 August , from 2.30 pm to 5.00 pm. Whether you’re a heritage enthusiast, a literary pilgrim, or a curious local, this is a chance to explore the layers of history that still resonate through the walls of Nun’s Cross.

This year’s theme – “In the Footsteps of Writers” – celebrates the church’s unique connections with three of Ireland’s most beloved writers: John Millington Synge, C.S. Lewis, and Seamus Heaney. Through captivating displays featuring illustrations, personal histories, and little–known facts, visitors will discover how these literary figures were linked not only to Nun’s Cross church but also to the broader Wicklow area and the village of Ashford in particular.

Each afternoon will feature a talk by local historian and author Patricia Butler, whose book Nun’s Cross Church and Its Treasures 1817–2017 will be available for purchase. Patricia will offer fascinating insights into the church’s rich architectural, cultural, and community heritage.

The Church of Ireland Priorities Fund is now open for applications in relation to projects to be considered for funding in 2026.  The closing date for the receipt of completed applications is Friday, 31October. Applications can be made through an online form or a downloadable PDF form which can then be forwarded to the Administrator – both are available at https://priorities.ireland.anglican.org/applications

For further information, please contact Gordon Woods, Administrator of the Priorities Fund (on behalf of the Representative Church Body’s Finance Department), at Church of Ireland House, Church Avenue, Rathmines, Dublin 6, D06 CF47.

Email: [email protected]Telephone: 00 353 (1) 4125 636Office open: 9.30am – 4.45pm (Monday–Friday).