This day five years ago I went on my pilgrimage to see the seven Donegal churches of Liam McCormick, the father of modern Irish church architecture. First his earliest St Peter’s Church, Milford (1961) large in scale with double-height hall and screen-like panels of stained glass

Next is St Patrick’s Church, Murlog on the outskirts of Lifford (1964). This church is continental in appearance with a covered entrance walkway linking the bell tower to the main body of the church. The external mosaics are by Oisín Kelly #Donegal #Geometry #ModernChurches

My favourite Our Lady Star of the Sea, Desertegney, near Linsfort (1964). Liam McCormick’s other passion was sailing and the porthole windows, curved walls and roof form gives the appearance of an upturned boat and quite fittingly close to the sea #Donegal #LiamMcCormick

McCormick’s best known Donegal church St Aengus, Speenogue, Burt (1967) was voted Building of the century in a national poll in last few years. This circular church with its distinctive copper clad roof with conical spire was inspired by Grianán of Aileach fort nearby #Donegal

McCormick’s St Michael’s Church, Creeslough (1971) absorbed the landscape owing its shape to its humpbacked neighbour Muckish mountain. The church is fan-shaped in plan with rounded corners. The white rendered walls contrast with the irregular colourful windows by Helen Moloney

St Conal’s, Glenties (1974) is a simple rectangular church rising to a high-peak revealing a beautiful naturally soffit-lit interior, the full-height which is almost overwhelming. The gargoyles depicting animals native to the area are by Imogen Stuart #Donegal