About
The present church of St John the Baptist, Parish of Dunluce, dates from 1821, but stands on the ancient ecclesiastical site of Portcaman, first recorded in 1262. The site has links not only to the Norman period, but also with the Knights of St John of Jerusalem and the Crusades.
The original church fell into disrepair during the 1600s and St Cuthbert's Church at Dunluce Castle, ancestral seat of the Earls of Antrim, became more prominent. But then in 1821, with the demise of Dunluce Castle and the growing importance of the town of Bushmills, it was decided to abandon St Cuthbert's, move back over the hill, and build a new church of St John the Baptist on the Portcaman site.
The Select Vestry of Dunluce Parish invites visitors into the building for EHOD to explore the church, learn about its past and see how parishioners have been able to revive and reimagine the building over the years. Photographs will show how the church was stripped to its bones in 2009 for major restoration, and then reborn in its present form. More recently, the bi-centennial celebrations (held in 2022—a year late because of Covid-19) provided the opportunity to mark this milestone anniversary with a contemporary stained glass window which subtly acknowledges the product that Bushmills is world-famous for. Parishioners have resisted many challenges over time, and the church continues to offer a vibrant Christian centre at the heart of community life in the village.
Visitors of all ages are welcome, and a children's quiz sheet will be available to help younger visitors engage with the building and its history. Volunteers will be in attendance to assist and provide information as required.
A warm welcome is also extended if you wish to join for normal Sunday Service at 11:00.
Facilities
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
