Welcome to Irealnd Reaching Out Parish of Kilnasoolagh.
Our aim is to connect all people with a link to Kilnasoolagh. You may live here, have visited here or maybe are tracing ancestors who left long ago. In any case, we’re sure to have lots to share and are delighted to welcome you.
Feel free to post your message and we will respond as soon as possible. Remember to post as much information as you can with regard to the people you are researching. The more information you post, the more likely it is that one of our volunteers will be able to advise or assist you. Also include information concerning which sources you may
have already used so others may further your search.
Please be patient - as our programme has only begun to rollout across
the island of Ireland and volunteers in some areas may not yet be
organized.
Welcome to Irealnd Reaching Out Parish of Kilnasoolagh.
Census
The 1821-1851 census returns were almost destroyed in a fire, the 1861-1891 census returns were destroyed by the Government. The 1901-1911 census returns are available on line free of charge on line on the National Archives of Ireland website.
Hhtp://www.heritagecertificate.com/?affiliate=IF94
info@irelandxo.com
Kilnasoolagh and its history
Kilnasoolagh meaning Church of religious people. In the Diocese of Killaloe.
Situated just half a kilometre west of the village of Newmarket-on-Fergus stands the beautiful Parish Church of Kilnasoolagh. A place of tranquility, set aside for the worship of God for over seven centuries. There has been Christian worship on this site since 1256 or even before..
The present building was built in 1815 by a prominent ecclesial builder James Pain, it being a reconstruction of a previous church built in 1686 by Sir Donough OﾒBrien of nearby Dromoland Castle. This in turn replaced another building or buildings used for worship at Kilnasoolagh over the centuries. Indeed, the entrance gate arch may be the remnants of an early building at Kilnasoolagh.
The church which is still in use today, is constructed of limestone and is handsomely proportioned, seating approximately 100 people. At the west end of the building is the recently reconstructed belfry and spire in which the entry door is situated. This reconstruction was necessary because the spire was destroyed by lightening in November 1991. Due to roof damage, the slates and timbers were also replaced at this time.
When entering the church one is struck by the number of monuments or memorials and stained glass windows which adorn the building. These were lovingly presented by the family of deceased members in memoriam, and are a constant reminder of those who gave of their time and energy to the church. One in particular is of note, that of Sir Donough OﾒBrien installed after his death in 1717. William Kidwell, a noted English sculptor of the time, carved this large baroque monument. It depicts Sir Donough reclining on a mattress while resting his elbow on a pillow. Two cherubs hold back a veil to give the reclining figure a glimpse of heaven while a third cherub beckons the onlooker to read his epitaph which is written in Latin.
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Good luck with your research.
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