Rathmullan, County Down

Rathmullan parish church

Rathmullan is a parish in County Down, situated mainly in the barony of Lecale Upper, with one townland in Lecale Lower.

Parish church

The first church on this site was built in 1213 by the Knights Hospitallers. This was taken over by St John's Order of Jerusalem but was in ruins by 1622. This parish church, perched high on a rocky hillside, was built in the site in 1703 and rebuilt in 1716 and 1802. The Rev. Robert Stewart was the first minister. About 1822 workman found a chalice and patina under the floor. On the foot of the chalice were the names George Russell and his wife Mary Taafe of Rathmullan, June 1640.

In 1836 the church was described as a small, plain building, capable of seating 250 people. The minister at that time was Rev. Mr Charles Archbold and the population of this parish was 2,800 people. School was taught in the ruins of Glebe House in 1836. A spire and tower were added in 1886. The church spire can be seen way out to sea and was a landmark for passing ships. The building was refurbished for its 300th anniversary in 2003.

Settlements

The parish contains the following settlements:

• Killough

Townlands

Rathmullan parish contains the following townlands:

• Ballylucas
• Ballynewport
• Ballyorgan
• Ballyplunt
• Ballyvaston
• Glebe
• Islandbane
• Killough
• Rathmullan Lower
• Rathmullan Upper
• Saint Johns Point