Church of Saints Peter and Paul, Athlone

Church of Saints Peter and Paul
Eaglais Naomh Peadar agus Naomh Pól
Church of Saints Peter and Paul
53°25′26″N7°56′37″W / 53.423924°N 7.943669°W / 53.423924; -7.943669
Location	Market Square, Athlone, County Westmeath
Country	Ireland
Denomination	Roman Catholic
Website	http://www.sspeterandpaulsparishathlone.com/gallery/ss-peter-paul-athlone/
History
Dedication	St. Peter Saint Paul
Architecture
Architectural type	Baroque Revival
Style	1932
Completed	1939
Specifications
Capacity	2,000 [1]
Number of spires	2
Materials	Portland stone, ashlar limestone, copper, Connemara marble, red marble, white marble, cast iron, stained glass
Administration
Province	Tuam
Diocese	Elphin
Deanery	Athlone
Parish	Ss. Peter & Paul, Athlone, Drum and Clonown

The Church of Saints Peter and Paul is a prominent Roman Catholic parish church located in Athlone, County Westmeath in Ireland. Situated on the western bank of the River Shannon, directly opposite Athlone Castle, the church serves as a significant landmark in the town.

History and Architecture

Constructed between 1932 and 1939, the church was designed by Irish architect Ralph Byrne in a Baroque Revival style. Its impressive neoclassical façade features twin towers flanking a pedimented entrance, with materials including Portland stone, ashlar limestone, and copper detailing. The church's interior is notable for its spacious nave and altar, adorned with intricate marble work and cast iron elements.

It is notable for its stained glass windows, produced in the Harry Clarke workshop by Richard King. ^[2] These were crafted at the Harry Clarke Studio, depicting scenes of Saint Peter, Saint Paul, Saint Patrick, the Last Judgment, and Purgatory. The vibrant colors and detailed artistry of these windows contribute significantly to the church's interior beauty

• 
  Saint Joseph window
• 
  Saint Patrick window
• 
  Last Judgment window
• 
  Purgatory window
• 
  exterior

Parish Community

The Church of Saints Peter and Paul is part of the Ss. Peter and Paul Parish, which encompasses Athlone West and surrounding areas in County Roscommon. The parish is also served by St. Brigid’s Church in Drum and Our Lady of the Wayside in Clonown. The church continues to be a central place of worship and community gatherings for residents and visitors alike. ^[3]

References

1. "Priest tells mourners 'the violence is now at our own door'".
2. "Church of Sts Peter and Paul Athlone – Roaringwater Journal". roaringwaterjournal.com.
3. "About Us – Parish of Ss. Peter & Paul". sspeterandpaulsparishathlone.com. Retrieved 18 February 2025.