The church, former school and rectory shape Moyard’s architectural history. Saint Thomas's Church dates from 1851; the Old School House and The Rectory date from around 1850. The three types of building differ in their former functions, while their dates are close together. Anyone interested in architectural history can compare the construction date, use and design across several examples.

Saint Thomas's Church

Saint Thomas's Church is a detached Church of Ireland church in the Board of First Fruits style. It was built in 1851 and retains most of its historic fabric. The southeast window has wooden tracery and a rose window. The stylistic classification describes the church as a whole, while the window features are specific details of a single building element. If you are interested in church architecture, this distinction offers a simple way in: first, the classification of the building, then a notable detail.

Schoolhouse and rectory around 1850

The Old School House is an unusual former schoolhouse in the Gothic Revival style. It was built in connection with the nearby Church of Ireland church and dates from around 1850; today it is used as a private residence. A wooded approach and rubble-stone boundary walls are also part of its architectural setting. The name Gothic Revival refers to the revival of Gothic design forms. The building’s former use as a school and its current use as a private residence are two distinct layers in its history.

The Rectory was built for the first rector of Saint Thomas's Church, Rev. Thomas De Vere Coneys. The detached, two-storey former rectory dates from around 1850 and has a cruciform plan. This describes the layout of the building; its two storeys and detached form add to the picture of its design. The Rectory occupies a prominent position overlooking the bay to the north. Compared with the Old School House, the dates are close together, but their former functions differ: a schoolhouse on one hand, and a rectory for the first rector on the other.

Moyard on the EuroVelo 1 route

The EuroVelo 1 route also offers a starting point for trip planning. After Clifden, it passes through several small settlements, including Moyard, and then continues towards Letterfrack. If you plan your trip around this route, you can place Moyard along the way after Clifden and onwards towards Letterfrack. This sequence of places adds a second perspective on the area alongside its architectural history: Moyard is associated both with the historic buildings described here and as a place on the cycling route.

More routes in the wider destination of Galway

In the wider destination of Galway, walking routes can also be compared by length and waypoints. The Family Trail in Coole Park is an easy 1.75 km walk: it passes the site of the former house, goes through the walled garden and continues to the Autograph Tree. The 4.5 km Seven Woods Trail passes a viewpoint over Coole Lake and extensive wetlands. The 6.5 km Diamond Hill Walk is also located there, in Connemara National Park, and leads to the 445 m summit of Diamond Hill. These routes offer different options when choosing walks and hikes within the wider destination of Galway.

Discover more destinations: Kilronan, Ballynahinch, Rinvyle, Craughwell, Kinvarra, Recess, Clifden, Ballydavid

Back to the wider travel overview: Galway.