The lovely Portbradden provides some great surfing, an ancient salmon fishing station, a few houses, and Ireland’s smallest church. I had a hard time picturing what that would look like, but I was delighted at its bright colors and quaint feel. Rumor has it (a.k.a. Wikipedia says) the church was first built as a cow barn in 1950s. Those are some small cows.
This church can maybe squish 6 people in it. But there is one 1 pew that could sit 2-3 comfortably on it. It’s the size of a shed.
When we walked up to it, I thought for a moment we were on someone’s property. As it turns out, Portbradden expects people to visit, hence the huge lock on the door. I wish we could’ve gone in, but I understand the need to keep your church (however small) well-maintained.
It has all the necessities of a church–a bell, a sundial, a stained glass window, a steeple, and a pew on the inside with a tiny pulpit.
Perspective
Tucked into a wall on a hill, you’d miss it if you weren’t looking for it. I’d love to know what they use the chimney for. Centralized heating in the winter, perhaps? Below is the picture of Portbradden I took on our way to see it. Toward the left corner, you’ll see a digger out in the middle of nowhere moving dirt. But look past that to the closest outcropping of rocks. The white at the bottom of the cliffs are the houses in Portbradden. Can you see it? Zoom in and look closer. How would you like to live there? I’m thinking I’d only go out for groceries once a month… unless I had no room in my small house for storage.
Portbradden from afar.
