29/08/2026
The Chapel of the Annunciation in Cookstown opened in 1965, it was designed by Lawrence McConville and has been described as ‘one of the gems of modern Irish church architecture’. It is now out of use, and in deteriorating condition.
Look out for the next issue of Perspective Magazine, which features a write-up!
The chapel is on the first floor, designed as a cube and clad in pre-cast concrete, this is set upon a sandstone-clad ground floor with its plan-form in the shape of a stepped cross.
The pre-cast concrete clad exterior features a repeating cross motif. Two stained-glass windows by Patrick Pye (now absent) and beaten-bronze sculptures by Patrick Elroy decorate the walls.
The chapel faces into the north corner, reflecting new theological emphases by placing the alter closer to the congregants. who surround it on two sides. The pews are designed in a weighty rectilinear style. A highly affective interior is achieved through the large lantern above the alter. This disperses white natural light, heightening the textures of the rough plastered walls and sculptured reliefs.
The interior elements were also produced by significant post-war craftspeople. McElroy made a crucifix and tabernacle, and Brother Benedict Tutty stations of the cross, now removed for storage. Michael Biggs’ Wicklow granite altar and ambo with carved Ichthys and dove remain. Pye’s stained-glass has been removed for safe-keeping.
Dating to a period of confidence, the building shows a faith in the symbolic power of Irish craft and a lack of compromise unlikely to be repeated in church architecture in the near future.
Thanks to the Parish of Cookstown for allowing access.
More information on the is available on the Heritage at Risk Register.
The Heritage at Risk project is delivered by Ulster Architectural Heritage, funded by & in partnership with the Department for Communities
