Kilmore: Church History and Rural Village Centre

Kilmore is defined by a rural village centre around the crossroads with St Aidan’s Church. The church gives the village a long historical connection: Kilmore takes its name from the early Christian and medieval church on the hill. If you are looking for a holiday rental, you can use the historic centre as a point of reference while also bearing in mind that footpaths are found along Kilmore Road and in modern housing estates. The village’s history and its present-day settlement pattern therefore offer distinct points of reference when choosing a location.

St Aidan’s Church: many layers of history

St Aidan’s Church was founded around AD 422. According to tradition, St Patrick visited Kilmore in 444 on his way to Armagh. The nave was later rebuilt in 1814, while the tower survives from an earlier building. Its Norman bell tower houses a hand-rung bell. The organ also has its own history: William Hill built the historic Hill organ in 1865 for Trinity Church in Dublin.

St Aidan’s Church is listed as a protected building, including its gates and boundary wall. The existing church grounds also contain a probable early Christian or medieval ecclesiastical site. Finds from the graveyard include an early Christian brooch, a 13th-century silver penny and a 12th-century silver ring.

Walkers and cyclists are welcome at St Aidan’s Church. The Sunday service schedule includes Holy Communion at 12 noon on the first Sunday, Morning Prayer on the second, third and fifth Sundays, and a family service on the fourth Sunday. Check the current schedule before your trip.

Historic traces in the village centre

Kilmore Cottage has existed since at least the early 18th century and is shown on a map of Kilmore from 1707. A former thatched house at 66 Kilmore Road is also listed as a protected building. At the corner of Kilmore Road, stone kerbs remain that once protected Cottage 66 from the wheels of passing carts. Together with the church, these buildings illustrate different aspects of the village’s history, from an early dwelling to small details of the streetscape.

The 19th-century wrought-iron village gates are also protected. An initiative is in place for their complete and careful restoration; the gates are accessible to everyone. Check current access arrangements before visiting.

Rural character and getting around

Kilmore’s traditional rural character is concentrated around the crossroads with the church. Kilmore House, its grounds and the associated vegetation are designated as a Local Landscape Policy Area. The foundations of a monastery near the church may be incorporated into Kilmore House. A holy well lies east of the former rectory garden. These features give the rural character a range of historical connections, though they do not all have the same status or history.

Footpaths run along Kilmore Road and within the modern housing estates. The nearest bus service to Kilmore runs along the A3, the road between Portadown and Armagh. Check the transport operator’s latest information before travelling.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Armagh, Acton.

Go to the main travel overview: Armagh.