Eight Centuries of Prayer
The History of Saint Mary's Church – Ardee
Saint Mary's Church is one of the historical and architectural landmarks of Ardee and of the religious heritage of County Louth.
The present building dates from approximately 1810 and was substantially rebuilt in 1899. The site itself has been associated with Christian worship for at least eight centuries — a continuity that reflects the enduring place of prayer in the life of the town.
A timeline of the site
Before the present building
The site was associated with an earlier place of Christian worship, part of a documented history reaching back at least eight hundred years.
c. 1810
The existing church building dates from the early nineteenth century.
1899
The church underwent substantial rebuilding, giving much of the character seen today.
Today
Saint Mary's remains an important part of Ardee's religious and architectural heritage, and a living place of worship.
The building
The church reflects the historic development of Church of Ireland places of worship. Its stone construction, its tall bell tower and spire, its traditional layout and its setting on Market Street all contribute to its architectural significance.
Inside, the stained glass windows, stencilled wall decoration, encaustic floor tiles and memorial tablets speak of the many generations who have worshipped and been remembered here.
Saint Mary's is recorded in the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage under reference 13823052.
We would rather tell our history carefully than tell it quickly. Further details — of clergy, benefactors and the changes the building has seen — will be added here only once they have been checked against reliable records. If you hold photographs, documents or recollections relating to Saint Mary's, the parish would be glad to hear from you.