St John the Baptist, Church of Ireland, Valentia Island

Project 2070

Since 1858, St Patrick’s Church Kenmare has been a place of worship, ministry and welcome to all, whoever they may be, from wherever they come. This has become increasingly important over the last few years, as the town has become a major international tourist attraction, situated not only on the Wild Atlantic Way, but also forming the ‘jewel’ in the ring of Kerry and a gateway to the ring of Beara.

The regular congregation itself is equally multinational, with current membership including no less than eight different birth nations – and in the tourist season, we share worship and fellowship with visitors from countries all over the world.

We now wish to further develop the use of our beautiful historic building as an asset for the wider community, to host concerts and presentations; and we have received planning permission to extend the church in order to provide suitably accessible toilet and entrance facilities.