This historic church is one of the most important landmark buildings of Kinsale. Originally built in 1190 this church has undergone various improvements and additions throughout its 800 year history. St Multose Church is thought to be one of the oldest standing churches in Ireland. To this day, St Multose Church has remained in continuous use as a place of worship in Kinsale.  Although some parts of the church have undergone changes and upgrades since the medieval times, many of the original features from 1190 are still present today. 

Morbi vitae purus dictum, ultrices tellus in, gravida lectus.
LOCATION

KINSALE

WHERE

Church Ln, Sleveen, Kinsale

CONTACT

+353214772220

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St Multose Church is located in Kinsale town centre along with a historic graveyard within the same walls. 

The most dominant feature, the impressive bell-tower, is in fact one of the few remaining features from the original Norman church with the fourth stage and its decorations being added in 1750. Major repairs and reconstruction took place between 1835-1856 with both the floor and roof being raised at this time. 

The exterior of St Multose Church contains many details from throughout its constant improvement and rebuilding phases such as stained glass and lead lined lattice work windows and various styles of window openings. The interior chronicles the history of the town with items like the flags of both William the Orange and the Highland Light Infantry who fought at Waterloo and the White Memorial Chapel that houses the burials of the Southwells who were great benefactors of the town. 

Also housed inside are a large amount of excellent carved timber ornamentations such as the pulpit, altar, and organ housing. As one of the most important churches in the country it has been used on multiple occasions for political ends, one of the most notable being during the English Civil War when Prince Rupert declared Charles II the new King after the execution of Charles I.

Also inside is a large flat stone carved with a round-handed figure that was traditionally rubbed by fishermen’s wives to bring their husbands home safe from the sea. Several victims of the Lusitania sinking are buried in the graveyard.