Welcome to Ballyvaughan & Fanore Parish

A Community of Faith, Hope, and Love in the Heart of County Clare. A Welcoming Community To Everyone

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

— Jesus Christ (John 14:27)
Mass Times
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Welcome to Our Parish

Welcome to Ballyvaughan & Fanore Parish in the historic Roman Catholic Deanery of Kilfenora A Community of Faith, Hope and Love in the Burren overlooking Galway Bay. We have a vibrant Roman Catholic parish with two handsome churches where we gather to worship, celebrate and grow together in faith, St. John the Baptist Church in Ballyvaughan and St. Patrick's Church in Fanore.

The parish also has a rich inventory of ancient religious monuments attesting to the deep faith that has grown in the community over centuries. Under the pastoral care of Fr. Richard Flanagan, we strive to be a welcoming community where everyone can encounter God's love and participate in the life of the church.

The larger and principal church is St.John The Baptist church close to the centre of the village. This church was built in 1858 in the Gothic Revival style, partly with funds collected in Australia from Ballyvaughan emigrants. The main interior feature is the quite magnificent chancel arch. Several of the double and single lancet windows have stained glass.

Mass Times

Join us for Mass throughout the week

Live Stream Mass

Weekend Masses

Saturday Vigil Mass

5:30pm Carran or Noughaval on alternative weekends

7:00pm Fanore

Sunday Mass

10:00am New Quay

11:30am Ballyvaughan

Weekday Masses

Weekday Mass

Wed 10:00am Fanore

Thurs 10:00am Ballyvaughan

Note: Mass times may vary during special seasons and holy days. Please check our news section or contact the parish office for the most current information.

Parish News & Events

Follow us on Facebook for the latest updates

November 2024

Liturgy of Remembrance and Light - Ballyvaughan

The Liturgy of Remembrance and Light was held in St Johns Church Ballyvaughan last Friday evening. Sincere thanks to Fr Richard for a very meaningful service of healing and consolation. All our deceased loved ones were prayed for and all our community included in prayer.

November 2024

Liturgy of Remembrance and Light - Fanore

The November Liturgy of Remembrance and Light was held in St. Patrick's Church, Fanore, yesterday evening. It was special and moving. People found it to be very poignant and spiritual.

Fr. Richard's introduction captures the experience beautifully, "in the intricate emotions and complexities of grief we are reminded that, even in the face of loss, there is comfort to be found in nature, love and the profound human spirit".

The Liturgy of Remembrance and Light will take place in St. John's Church, Ballyvaughan tomorrow (Friday, 28th November) at 7pm. All are very welcome.

Our Churches

St John the Baptist Church

Ballyvaughan

Our main parish church in the picturesque village of Ballyvaughan, serving the local community with regular Mass and sacraments.

St John the Baptist Church, Ballyvaughan

St Patrick Church

Murrough, Fanore

A beautiful church serving the coastal community of Fanore, where we gather in faith and fellowship to praise Jesus Christ Our Lord and Mother Mary.

St Patrick Church, Fanore

Where To Locate The Parish Churches

Find us in the heart of County Clare

Ballyvaughan

St John the Baptist Church

Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare, Ireland

Directions to St John the Baptist Church
From Galway:

Take the N67 south through Kinvara and continue along the coast. The church is located in the center of Ballyvaughan village on your right.

From Ennis:

Take the N85 northwest towards Ennistymon, then the R481 north to Ballyvaughan. The church is in the village center.

From Doolin:

Follow the R479 (Coastal Road) northeast along the Burren coast. Continue for approximately 15km to Ballyvaughan village.

Fanore

St Patrick Church

Murrough, Fanore, Co. Clare, Ireland

Directions to St Patrick Church
From Galway:

Take the N67 south through Kinvara and Ballyvaughan. Continue on the R477 (Coastal Road) south to Fanore. The church is in Murrough.

From Ennis:

Take the N85 to Ennistymon, then follow the R481 to Lisdoonvarna. Take the R477 north along the coast to Fanore.

From Doolin:

Follow the R479 (Coastal Road) northeast along the spectacular Burren coast. The church is approximately 8km north in Murrough, Fanore.

Our Clergy & Parish Staff

Fr. Richard Flanagan SVD

Parish Priest

Parish Schools

St Patrick's National School

Fanore

Principal: Carol Scales

Phone: +353 (0)65 707 6197

St John the Baptist National School

Ballyvaughan

Principal: Loretta Gray

Phone: +353 (0)65 707 7079

Sacraments

We celebrate all the sacraments of the Catholic Church

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Baptism

Welcome new members into our faith community

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Confirmation

Strengthen your faith through the Holy Spirit

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Holy Communion

Receive the Body and Blood of Christ

Reconciliation

Experience God's mercy and forgiveness

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Marriage

Celebrate your love in the presence of God

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Anointing of the Sick

Healing and comfort for those who are ill

For more information about receiving any of the sacraments, please contact the parish office.

Parish Resources

📖 Scripture Readings

Daily Mass readings and reflections

🙏 Prayer Resources

Prayers and devotions for spiritual growth

💒 Parish Dues

Online payment options available

📅 Parish Calendar

Upcoming events and celebrations

Contact Us

We'd love to hear from you

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Parish Office

Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare, Ireland

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How To Become A Catholic

Interested in joining the Catholic faith? We welcome you on this journey

RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

The RCIA is a process through which adults become full members of the Catholic Church. This journey of faith includes:

  • Inquiry: Learn about Catholic beliefs and teachings in a welcoming environment
  • Catechumenate: Deepen your understanding of the faith through study and reflection
  • Purification and Enlightenment: Prepare spiritually during Lent for initiation
  • Initiation: Receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at Easter Vigil
  • Mystagogy: Continue your formation as a new Catholic after Easter
Prayer candles in church

Take the First Step

If you're interested in learning more about becoming Catholic or joining our RCIA program, we'd love to hear from you. There's no obligation, and all questions are welcome.

Contact: Fr. Richard Flanagan SVD

Phone: +353 (0)65 707 7045

Email: bvfanore@icloud.com

Get In Touch