St Anne, Bailieborough, Roman Catholic

A well-constructed church of the period following the Catholic Emancipation Act (1829), built to replace a simple thatched structure on the same site. The original building follows a plan typical of the period, with good cut-stone detailing reserved for quoins, surrounds to openings, and some decorative features. The addition of a belfry in the middle part of the century, until then a privilege of the Established Church, demonstrates the rising confidence of the Catholic community. The elaborate Gothic detail of the reredos, chancel, transept arcades, and side shrine reflect the Gothic Revival style adopted for church architecture in the latter part of the century, based on the study of medieval architecture and following the influence of Pugin. The church has evolved in several phases of development yet retains its architectural integrity and a wealth of details including features of artistic significance. It forms a significant landmark on the southern outskirts of Bailieborough.

[ National Inventory of Architectural Heritage ]