The Conservation of St. Kevin's Church
In 2023, the Blessington Union of Parishes, with support from the Hollywood Tidy Towns and the Hollywood Forum, along with the support from c. 15 local community groups, local councilors and Wicklow County Council, applied to the Community Monument Fund for support to develop a plan for the conservation of St. Kevin's Church. In 2024, the parish was awarded a grant to create a comprehensive conservation management plan and report. This work is currently underway, and from 2025, the parish hope to commence conservation works at St. Kevin's Church.
Corbelled Roof
The roof of St. Kevin's Church is a corbelled roof, made of brick. Corbelled roofs are quite rare in Ireland, and St. Kevin's is one of that last such churches in Ireland which remain in use.
Stained Glass
Harry Clarke Stained Glass
St. Kevin’s Church of Ireland in Hollywood features a stained glass window which has been attributed to Harry Clarke, a notable Irish artist known for his detailed and vibrant designs.
The window dates from c. 1910, and from the exterior of the east wall, it is clear that the original window was c. 1.5m longer than the current window.
Other Stained Glass
In addition to the Harry Clarke piece, St Kevin's also has stained glass in two of the church windows.
These pieces of stained glass are smaller, and less ornate but date back to the 1860s.
As part of the conversation plan, a survey of the stained glass was commissioned and plans for restoration of the three stained glass windows are being prepared.
Boundary Wall
Hollywood Tidy Towns, in conjunction with the Hollywood Forum began raising funds for the restoration of the boundary wall at St. Kevin's Church in 2017. Since then, the groups have raised c. €20,000 through a combination of fundraising and grants to support the wall's restoration. Using traditional skills and material, a master mason has begun to restore the wall.