St John the Baptist, Church of Ireland, Valentia Island
We warmly welcome all who come to St John the Baptist. We sincerely hope that the rugged natural beauty of this spot on the far west of Ireland offers you peace, tranquility and clarity. About UsAbout St John the Baptist Church
The most westerly protestant church in Europe. Built in 1860, in the Gothic revival style, to a design by the renowned church architect, Joseph Welland, St John the Baptist was until 1922 the church of the Knights of Kerry. Standing on an east-west axis in what is now a delightful sensory garden, St John’s was constructed using Valentia slate, punched and drafted grey limestone and dressed red sandstone.
Service Times at St John the Baptist
Every Sunday (Summer Only) : 10:00 Holy Communion
If circumstances dictate, a Service of the Word my replace Holy Communion
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.
Can you help us?
Recent News
Summer Afternoon Teas!
Summer Afternoon Teas in aid of ADAPT Women’s refuge and St Patrick’s Development Projects.
Praying Together 31st May 2026
Throughout the world, greeting one another with a kiss is a standard way of greeting – once, twice or more (four times in some regions of of France.) In our less demonstrative culture, we perhaps tend to ‘Share the peace’ by means of a nod, wave, handshake a hug or sometimes even a kiss itself in order to respect what we understand as the boundaries of a person’s ‘personal space’.
Praying Together 17th May 2026
‘Somethin’s comin’, don’t know what it is, but it is gonna be great’
Praying Together 10th May 2026
This week I offer a report of our Archbishop John’s Introductory address to this week’s General Synod. It speaks for itself. I wish certain political leaders would read it too.
Praying Together 26th April 2026
Fortunately, God’s love is not restricted to those who do good. He sent His only Son to save sinners – whoever they may be, whatever they may have done wrong.
Praying Together April 19th 2026
Judgement is not restricted to either believers or non-believers – but All people
Praying Together 12th April 2026
Let’s talk about Peter, the ‘Rock’ on which Christ’s Church is built.
Seriously, would you have chosen him? Surely, one of the other Disciples would be the most highly qualified.
Praying Together Easter Sunday 2026
A Reflection provided by the Revd. Barbara Irrgang-Buckley for the First Sunday of Easter
Praying Together – A Thought for Good Friday 2026
Through our tears as we stand at the foot of the Cross and witness His Crucifixion on this Good Friday, we have the privilege of looking beyond the day unto a day of joy as we are assured of His life – then, today and tomorrow. We leave our past behind as we walk away from Golgotha, the place of the skull.
Praying Together March 29th 2026
These things are worth meditation and thought, as we enter this Holy Week – but the even more important question that we can only answer for ourselves, is embodied in twelve straightforward words written by Charles Wesley.
How can it be, That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?