St Joseph’s Church, Dunloy

The Church of Dunloy was commissioned following a design competition. The ancient circular plan form and the round (bell) tower are the dominant features. The sanctuary is placed right at the heart of the church to increase the integration with the congregation and the rooflight is directly above the altar.

The ancillary accommodation is wrapped around the nave and sanctuary.

The principal sanctuary pieces are the work of the liturgical artist Ray Carroll of Glencullen, Co Wicklow.

The 25-metre high free standing bell tower is built in Drumquin sandstone; the tower’s main concessions to its modern purpose are the wide openings at its top. Instead of the round tower’s characrerisitc arrow slits, wider apertures are required to allow the bell sound to travel. The roof of the church is natural slate with treated hardwood windows and doors.

The Client was the Very Rev. J. MacGurnaghan