Drumtullagh Parish Church

The church was designed by famous architect Charles Lanyon, and is an excellent source of information, through parish records, for anyone tracing their family tree.

Ballymoney , County Antrim

Opening times

At present, the church is open on request, at reasonable times, by contacting the church treasurer and churchwarden, Leonard Quigg, on 028 20762579 or email lfquigg@aol.com
Plans are currently being developed to have the church open at more precise dates/ times, such as at annual European Heritage Days.

Address

Lisnagat Road
Ballymoney 
County Antrim
BT53 8UN

Drumtullagh church was built with dressed basalt in 1840/1841 to a design by Charles Lanyon and features original Art Deco style stained glass windows.

Situated on a prominent hillside (the name Drumtullagh means a ridge rising above others) on a fine day views can be observed of five of the nine counties of Ulster.

The old name for the church is Croshan, which means little cross so at one stage there was a Celtic cross located in the area. A few hundred yards away, is the site of the old church of Kilmoyle, meaning the bald church or church without a spire or tower, probably a basic thatched roof building.

The graveyard surrounding this old church can still be discerned although there are no headstones or other markers. Before it became a parish in its own right in 1875, it was known as the Grange of Drumtullagh, a grange being the lands associated with a local monastery. This ancient monastic establishment, of which no trace now remains, was located on what is now known as Manister (monastery) Lane, a few hundred yards from the present church. So Drumtullagh church is the successor to many of the ancient religious establishments in the area.

In the past, when life in rural Ireland was difficult, many of the residents of this simple country parish emigrated to Canada, USA, Australia and New Zealand, and the extensive parish records of births, marriages and deaths are frequently used by descendants, researching their family trees.
 

  • Captivating architecture

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Social heritage stories

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Accessible toilets nearby

  • Car park at church

  • Dog friendly

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Currently, Drumtullagh Sunday services take place at 9.45am and there is a small but flourishing Sunday school, run by some of the parishioners. The parish is part of the combined parishes of Armoy, Drumtullagh and Loughguile and the Rector, Canon Christopher Easton, is based in the Rectory at St Patrick's Church, Armoy.

  • Occasional events such as parish concerts or afternoon teas take place in adjoining church hall. Special services in the church attended by the general public such as Harvest Thanksgiving services.

  • Church of Ireland

  • Cornerstone Grant, £5,000, 2022

  • Our Cornerstone Grants fund urgent repairs and essential community facilities such as toilets and kitchens to help keep churches open.

Contact information

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