Kilbride Church History

Kilbride Church “St Brigid’s” is a beautiful small but boastful church situated on the Beech Road, Arklow, County Wicklow and is home to Harry Clarke’s Resurrection Window.

Kilbride Church was built by the Howard family who hailed from Shelton Abbey in Arklow. This beautiful church is now 185 years old. The church was maintained by the Howard family and estate labourers for several years. The church was a place of worship for the Church of Ireland representatives however they were great advocates for reform and liberalism which in time led to full Roman Catholic emancipation.

Following a census circa 1834, church attendance averaged at 300 too 400 each Sunday. This church was not used as a memorial ground until 1877 and that stage burials were to the front roadside however in 1914 burials commenced to the rear of the building following more land acquired.

The famous Harry Clarke stained glass window was installed in 1924 by Lucy Costigan. This beautiful piece dominates the the interior of the church. It boasts three sets of tracery lights which depicts Christ with Mary and St John. If you look closely you can see Harry Clarke’s signature near the bottom of the right hand side but a magnifying glass may be required.

In 1992, the church underwent big renovations replacing the roof and ceiling. It is a beautiful historical building.