For our ‘Sole Mates’ walking group’s first outing of 2025 we were delighted to have a personal guided tour of the beautiful and historic church of St Nicholas in Carrickfergus, Co Antrim on Saturday 15th March.
After taking the Glider to Lanyon Station, we boarded the train to Carrickfergus. From the picturesque station there, it was a short walk to the Church where we were given a warm welcome by the Rector, Reverend Dr Chris St John and our guide for the visit, Julie Irvine.
Julie explained that the church was originally built in the early 1180’s and guided us very knowledgeably, through its various additions and alterations in successive centuries. One of the more recent (1952) being the St Nicholas window in the Baptistry which includes images (maybe not surprisingly) of Santa Claus in his sleigh!
After our tour of the church, we took the opportunity to have lunch in one of the many cafés in the town and then, reminding ourselves that we are primarily a ‘walking group’, we took a brisk stroll along the seafront before catching our train back to Belfast.
Thank you so much to Revd Chris, and to Julie, for your welcome and time – we will certainly be recommending a visit to St Nicholas’ to our fellow parishioners, families and friends.
PS: subsequent research has confirmed a link between Carrickfergus and Stormont parishes in that the rebuilt (1962) War Memorial Bell Tower at St Nicholas’ was designed by Denis O’D Hanna, the architect of St Molua’s church and hall.
All are welcome, you do not need to be member of St Molua’s to join us – check out stmoluasonline.com/walking-group/ for more information and updates.
