Photographs from a Drone show off Christ Church, Rushbrooke (Cobh) and Cork Harbour

Thanks to Kieran Walsh, a Cobh resident and owner of local company kc3dtours, the parishioners of Cobh and Glanmire Union of Parishes were treated to a unique view of Christ Church, Rushbrooke (Cobh) on Great Island, the largest of the islands in Cork Harbour, at the mouth of the River Lee. Kieran’s drone photography of the church shows the building in its beautiful location overlooking Cork Harbour.

Christ Church (lower centre) at Rushbrooke, near Cobh on Great Island, with the mouth fo Cork Harbour (top) and Roche’s Point (east side of harbour mouth) and Fort Camden (west), Spike Island (first a monastic settlement, then a military fort, then a prison, and now a tourist attraction) and Haulbowline, headquarters of the Irish Naval Service.

The church was built in 1866/7 and designed in the Gothic style by a local architect, William Hill. It is built of cut limestone and the spire of the church is 150ft (46m) high.

The organ of the church was built by T.C. Lewis of Brixton, London and now holds the memorial tablets and font from St Mary’s, Cobh. The stained glass at the east end of the church depicts Faith, Hope, and Charity, and the windows on the south side of the sanctuary were erected in 1894 by Captain W.H. Rushbrooke in memory of James Deane, who was agent of the Rushbrooke Estate. The cross on the altar is in memory of Arthur Hugh Smith Barry (Lord Barrymore) 1843 – 1925 who owned Fota Estate.

The church will re-open after lockdown on Ascension Day (Thursday 13th May) with a celebration of the Eucharist at 10.30am. Services on Sunday are held at 10am, and all are most welcome to attend.