< Back to Map

Carnmoney Parish Church and Graveyard

This is the site of an early Christian settlement traditionally believed to date to the 5th century during St Patrick's time. The old church was demolished in 1856 to make way for the present building.

An ancient well named after St Brigid (a contemporary of St Patrick) is in the graveyard behind the church. Towering above the well is a magnificent Celtic cross marking the resting place of General William James Smythe (1816-1887), son of Samuel Smythe, Vicar of Carnmoney. William joined the Royal Artillery at the age of 17, served in the Kaffir War of 1835 and had 37 years of service in Fiji and India before retiring and moving to Tobercooran House, Glengormley.

In the churchyard are many graves of local and international interest. For example, Nicholas Grimshaw, founder of Ireland's first cotton mill at Whitehouse in 1784, and 'Humpy Joe' Joseph Gillis Biggar, one of the most controversial figures in Irish/British politics who supported Home Rule and in 1874 became MP for Cavan.

Take the M2 motorway and leave at Junction 2 (Greencastle). Turn right onto the A2 (Greencastle/Rathcoole) and continue along the Shore Road following signs for the Valley Leisure Centre (Church Road). Pass the leisure centre on the left and go straight through the next roundabout onto Prince Charles Way. Turn left into Church Road; Carnmoney church and graveyard are on the right.