St. Martin’s Church Culmullen Church Renovation
We also have a idonate page which you are welcome to use.
http://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/CulmullenChurchRestorationFund
or you can scan this QR code
The parish of Dunshaughlin/Culmullen have started fundraising to carry out necessary renovation and remedial works to the 150-year-old, Culmullen Church. As time goes by, buildings need to be repaired and maintained in order to continue their usageand the time has come when a number of renovations and replacements are required on the church in Culmullen.
A detailed architectural report has identified critical restoration works that need to be carried out immediately to preservethis beautiful iconic building from falling into a state of dereliction and decay.
An idonate link to facilitate making financial contributions to this fundraising appeal has been set up and can be accessed through the link below
Restoring and preserving this heritage building for future generations is a tangible way to honour past generations by ensuring that the stories and traditions that it encapsulates continue to be part of the congregation’s legacy.
St. Martin’s Church
St Martin of Tours Church, Culmullen, was built 1875-1878. It is a Gothic Revival style church, known for its distinct limestone exterior and bell tower and is considered by many visitors to be one of the most beautiful, intimate and picturesque churches in Ireland. While, inside, the natural stone walls and stained-glass windows contribute to its popularity as a wedding venue, it is also integral to the spiritual fabric of the local community where parishioners, for 150 years, have baptized their new born, received the sacraments, married and said goodbye to loved ones.
Structural issues:
While the church is generally in good condition there are current problems with water ingress resulting in leaks, overflows and damp penetration. This is very evident inside the church during heavy rain showers and is causing deterioration of roof timbers over the nave and timber floor structures in the turret.
The root causes of the structural issues need to be addressed urgently, as delaying these essential repairs will result in consequential defects which can escalate rapidly resulting in increased cost liability.
Culmullen Church is listed in The Record of Protected Structures and as such all repairs involve specialized services using traditional techniques and materials that are compatible with the building’s historical fabric.
These works will be carried out in the spring/summerof 2026by contractors experienced in heritage projects.
Stained Glass Window: The 1877 manufactured stained-glass windows behind the altar, portray with symbolic imagery the story of St Martin of Tours. These decorative historical windows illuminate the sanctuary but they also reflect the artistic trends and craftsmanship of the era of their manufacture, with parts unique to Culmullen church.
An examination by an expert in stained glass windows has indicated considerable evidence of fatigue which requires restoration of the glass and the supporting framework. This will effectively prevent potential safety hazards associated with aged or damaged windows.
The restoration of these stained-glass windows is not just an investment in glass and lead; it is an investment in the heart and soul of the Culmullen parish church community.
Other urgent works There are other areas which will also require urgent remedial attention such as replacing the boilers, upgrading the expensive heating system, repairing the guttering at the cemetery side of the church and providing more sustainable power.
Phased works.The restoration project has commenced with the removal of a section of the stained-glass window for repairs and renewal. The restored window section will be re-installed at the end of March 2026 and the structural work on the roof will commence in May 2026. All the necessary works will be carried out in phases, prioritizing the urgent structural issues first and be completed before the 150-year centenary celebrations in 2028.
People who wish to donate to the Culmullen church Renovation fund can do so
by sending a cheque/bank draft/postal order made payable to
Dunshaughlin/Culmullen Parish, to the Pastoral Centre, Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath
or online with your bank provider using the following information
Dunshaughlin and Culmullen Offertory Account
IBAN IE94BOFI90343725673543