400th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service

Donaghadee Parish Church embarks on a year of celebrations, beginning with a 400th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service on Sunday 1st March 2026 at 10.30am when we are privileged to have our Primate, Archbishop John McDowell as our guest preacher.

Looking at Donaghadee from the sea, it is the imposing tower of Donaghadee Parish Church which immediately catches one’s eye. Our town is marked by three towers: one on the Moat, the imposing “tower” of Donaghadee Light House and the Church tower. Each tells a different story – from the Norman invasion to the development of the harbour as the commercial gateway to Ulster. The building we know today as Donaghadee Parish Church has stood as a witness to these events, its history stretching all the way back to the time of the evangelisation of Ireland.

The parish church stands on a hill, on what is thought to be an ancient site of worship. Without doubt, we can say that our Church building does have ancient foundations.

The church was rebuilt in 1626 by Viscount Montgomery and extended in 1881. In 2011 a major building restoration and internal liturgical renewal took place. Our parish church has through the centuries provided a place were Almighty God is worshipped and his name proclaimed. All are welcome at this Thanksgiving Service and other events marking our Quadricentennial.