Raheen: Church and Archaeological Sites

Raheen combines a distinctive Catholic church with several archaeological points of interest. This places sacred architecture and other historic features of the area at the forefront of trip planning. Saint John Paul II Church in Courthoyle New dates from 1814; parts of its historic fabric have been preserved, and the interior was later rearranged. A church site, enclosure sites and a standing stone also contribute to the local character. If you are looking for hotels in Raheen, these themes can provide a cultural context for planning your trip.

Saint John Paul II Church in Courthoyle New

The Catholic Church of Saint John Paul II is located in Courthoyle New, Raheen, and was built in 1814. It has a rectangular plan and is two-bay, two-storey and single-cell. The building includes a single-storey, gable-fronted entrance porch. The plan, nave and porch give the church a clearly describable architectural form and make it a specific local point of interest for travellers interested in sacred architecture.

The church is well preserved. Its basic form and dimensions, along with parts of its historic or original fabric, survive both on the exterior and in the vaulted interior. The interior was rearranged as part of the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council from 1962 to 1965. Art Deco-style stained-glass windows and plasterwork are further features of the interior. The construction date and subsequent rearrangement represent different phases, while parts of the original fabric remain.

Archaeological points of interest in Raheen

There is also a church site in Courthoyle New. At Raheenaclonagh, there is a rectangular enclosure site and a standing stone; another enclosure site is located at Templeshelin. The named features and locations differ: the local overview includes a church site, two enclosure sites in different places, and a standing stone. Raheen’s historic character therefore extends beyond the architecture of the Catholic church to include archaeological sites and individual landscape features.

Further highlights in County Wexford

Looking beyond Raheen leads to the wider destination of County Wexford, where visitors can explore a range of cultural and landscape themes. The Irish National Heritage Park in County Wexford is an open-air museum covering 35 acres, with 16 reconstructed sites. Activities on offer include re-enactments, workshops and courses for visitors of all ages. The focus there is on presenting historical themes through reconstructed sites and a variety of learning formats.

A different perspective is offered by a tour of Hook Lighthouse, which presents 800 years of lighthouse history. Hook Lighthouse is located at the tip of the Hook Peninsula in County Wexford. Its focus differs from the reconstructed sites at the Heritage Park, as it centres on the history of a lighthouse. Those interested in medieval architectural history and a wooded setting will also find Tintern Cistercian Abbey in County Wexford. William, Earl Marshal, founded the abbey around 1200. It is located in a Special Area of Conservation and is surrounded by woodland with walking trails. County Wexford thus brings together a range of themes: reconstructed sites and courses, lighthouse history, and a historic abbey in a woodland setting.

Discover more destinations: Milehouse, Duncannon, Kilmuckridge, Arthurstown, Wellingtonbridge, Foulkesmill, Ballygillane Little, Castlebridge.

For the wider travel overview: County Wexford.