Architectural Styles: St Aidan's ChurchSt. Aidan's Church was constructed in the late 1800's in Monasteraden, Co. Sligo. The chuch is a 6 bay building built from stone. St. Aidan's church is built in the Gothic style as is evidenced by the pointed arches above the windows and entrance doors. The church has a large nave filled with mahogany pews before a large, raised altar. The church has a stunning bell tower which can be seen on all approaches to Monasteraden village.
St. Aidan's Church is a listed heritage building and can be accessed on the Buildings of Ireland website here. WallingThe main structure of the church is constructed with cream ashlar sandstone whilst bands of red sandstone are interspersed through the walls. The pointed arches are constructed using alternating red and cream voussoirs to give an attractive pattern. Buttresses have been constructed from limestone and sandstone at various points along the church for additional structural strength.
|
WindowsSt Aidan's church has 6 windows on each side along the nave of the church, many of which are stained. The stained glass windows have plaques at their foot to display the names of the local people who commissioned them. Each gable also contains a set of 3 full length windows which illuminate much of the church. The windows have splayed reveals to allow more light to enter through the thick stone walls
|
InteriorThe interior of St. Aidan's church has a number of striking features contained within it. The altar of the church is carved and has many decorative mouldings on it. Ahead of the altar is a pair of marble railings which flank the aisle. These railings are made from white marble with brown marble pilasters, similar to those on the altar.
Two marble pulpits are located each side of the altar, one much more ornate than the other. Both pulpits were donated by locals in memory of family members. The lower portion of the walls of St. Aidan's church are panelled with timber sheeted wainscotting. Above this the wall is rendered, not an original feature of the church. The roof is a magnificent example of craftsmanship. It consists of hand made wooden Gothic-arch trusses supported by stone corbels which are built into the stone walls. At the rear of the church is an elevated gallery for use by the choir. It is supported by wooden columns, beams and joists with a wooden handrail to the front. |
|
|
Church GroundsThere are many features on the grounds of St. Aidans church. In the south-western corner is a small cemetery containing the remains of the members of the MacDermott familty who comissioned the building of the church in the 19th century.
Opposite the main entrance is a small altar devoted to Mary in the Marian Year of 1953. The church has a large lawn area which is tended to by local volunteers throughout the summer months. Car parking is provided by a small car park across the road from the church. Limited parking is provided on the church grounds and spaces are generally reserved for the elderly or less mobile church-goers. The church is surrounded by traditional dry stone walls along its boundary. These walls were recently re-built as part of a refurbishment project. |