St Thomas’s, Dugort
St Thomas’ Church, located close to the village of Dugort at the northern end of Achill Island, Co Mayo, stands as a significant landmark in the region’s religious and cultural history. Founded in 1831 by the controversial Reverend Edward Nangle, the church became the focal point of Nangle's 'Achill Mission', an evangelical initiative in which Nangle unapologetically aimed at converting the local Catholic population to Protestantism. The Achill Mission was a comprehensive charitable and missionary endeavour, however, that extended beyond spiritual outreach. It included the construction of schools, cottages, an orphanage, a small hospital, and a hotel. Collectively, these were known as “The Colony.” This mission played a pivotal role in the island community, especially during the mid-19th century and the ravages of The Famine.
For those interested in exploring further, the church’s history is intertwined with this broader narrative of the Achill Mission and Reverend Edward Nangle’s efforts, which have been subjects of various historical analyses and publications. Visiting St Thomas’ Church offers a tangible connection to Achill’s past, providing insights into the religious dynamics and community life of 19th-century Ireland.
Architecturally, St Thomas’ Church is notable for its design by Joseph Welland, Architect to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. Its construction was completed in 1851. The church features a compact rectilinear plan and is built from rough-cut ochre-colored fieldstone with limestone dressings, exemplifying the Gothic Revival style prevalent at the time. A distinctive feature is the church's large bell, with the inscription “Dublin 1853". For reasons of necessity, the bell now hangs close to ground level on the church's south side.
In 2011, St Thomas’s Dugort was the venue for a significant ecumenical event— a Service of Reconciliation that brought together the Roman Catholic and Anglican communities. This service marked an important step towards healing and harmony between the two traditions, and reflected broader efforts at ecumenical reconciliation within Ireland.
Today, the church and its adjoining graveyard are lovingly-maintained and continue to serve the local community.
Services from April-September inclusive are weekly on Sundays at 3pm. Services from October-March inclusive are fortnightly on the second and fourth Sundays of each month, at 3pm.
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