Welcome to Our Website
Welcome to the official website of Duleek Parish! Here, you will find everything you need to stay connected with our vibrant parish community. Whether you’re looking for the Parish Bulletin, Daily Mass Readings, Mass Times, Parish Notices, or other updates, we’ve got you covered.
We invite you to visit our website regularly to keep up with the latest activities and events in our parish. Together, we celebrate our faith and foster a welcoming environment for everyone in the Duleek and Bellewstown faith community.
Duleek & Bellewstown Faith Communities
The Parish of Duleek and Bellewstown forms a unified spiritual community rooted in deep Christian heritage and local tradition within the Diocese of Meath. These villages, though distinct in character, are bound by centuries of faith, resilience, and reverence.
Duleek derives its name from Damhliag Chianain — “The Stone House of Cianán” — and holds a legacy as one of the earliest monastic settlements in Ireland. Bellewstown, nestled on a hilltop, offers a serene presence and a strong sense of community, reflected in its landmark church dedicated to St Thérèse.
Our Parish
In May 2025, Bishop Tom Deenihan announced significant clergy appointments across the Diocese. As part of these changes, the Parish of Donore, including Rossnaree, transitioned from the care of Duleek Parish to that of St. Mary’s Parish, Drogheda. This move marks a return for Fr. John Conlon, who had served as Donore’s administrator from 2019 to 2021 and was Parish Priest of Duleek for over 14 years. He now resumes leadership as administrator of Donore-Rossnaree.
These changes also bring new leadership to Duleek-Bellewstown. Fr. Mark English, who had served as Parish Priest since 2021 and oversaw both Duleek and Donore, has been appointed Parish Priest of Kells, with Fr. Declan Kelly, curate in Duleek, accompanying him.
Stepping into the role of Parish Priest of Duleek-Bellewstown is Fr. Liam Malone, formerly of Nobber/Kilbeg and Killucan. With his pastoral experience, Fr. Liam brings fresh energy and a deep commitment to the life of the parish.
Parish Clergy
- Fr. Liam Malone, Parish Priest
Our Churches
St. Cianán’s Church, Duleek
Located on Main Street, this church is a living link to Ireland’s earliest Christian foundations. The present building was erected in 1812 by Rev. John Kearney and extended in 1966. Nearby lie the ruins of Duleek Abbey and St. Mary’s Abbey, bearing witness to the area’s continuous spiritual activity since the time of St. Cianán — the reputed first bishop ordained by St. Patrick.
Church of St. Thérèse, Bellewstown
Built circa 1977 in Collierstown, this cruciform-plan church combines modern architectural elements with traditional Catholic symbolism. A hexagonal bell tower and stained-glass windows add unique character. It stands on a site previously occupied by an older church, as suggested by the Victorian-era gates and railings still in place.
History & Heritage
Duleek is a place of profound historical importance. From being one of the four great monastic cities of ancient Ireland to housing the body of High King Brian Boru in Duleek Abbey after the Battle of Clontarf, it remains a sacred ground. The village played a pivotal role in Ireland’s ecclesiastical development, once serving as an independent diocese and home to both abbots and bishops.