Saint Joseph's Catholic Church — Rathwire

Freestanding Roman Catholic church on cruciform plan, built c.1830, comprising a four-bay nave to the east, two-bay transepts to the north and south and a shallow chancel to the west. Church ‘repaired’ and altered c.1866. Extension to rear (west) of north transept. Three-stage Italianate tower/campanile (on square-plan) added to the east gable end, dated 1870. Pitched artificial slate roofs with overhanging eaves to main body of church. Cast-iron cross finial to the apex of gable to north transept. Pebbledashed walls over smooth rendered plinth with flushed dressed limestone quoins to the corners. Tower/campanile constructed of dressed limestone with extensive ashlar trim, including a projecting string course between each stage and a heavy bracketed cornice over belfry. Pointed-arched window openings to the nave and transepts, having chamfered ashlar limestone surrounds, chamfered ashlar limestone sills and modern stained glass windows (originally Gothic sash windows). Three cusped lancet openings to the chancel gable. Pointed-arched doorcase to the north face of tower/campanile, having flush dressed limestone surrounds and replacement timber sheeted doors. Semi-circular window over doorcase with cut stone date plaque above, all set in round-headed recess. Round-headed window opening to each face of tower at second stage level, set in round-headed recesses with a string course at springing point of arch. Three open round-headed arches to each face at belfry level having timber louvered vents and a projecting string course at springing point of arches. Small cupola over belfry level. Set back from road to the south side of the main street running through Rathwire village with rubble stone plinth wall with mild steel railings over to road-frontage (north).