The Diocese of Derry is the third largest diocese in Ireland and the most northern. It consists of 53 parishes within four deaneries over the counties of Derry, Tyrone Donegal and a little piece of Antrim. Irelands most northerly point, Malin Head, is in the parish of Malin, Co. Donegal. The third oldest church in the diocese, St. Mary’s, Lagg can be found on the way to Malin Head, at the Five Finger Strand. Nestled nicely in to the rolling hills of Donegal, it’s one church if you are visiting the parish or the area you shouldn’t miss. The church dates from 1784.

There are approximately 223,000 Catholics in the diocese. The religious and spiritual well-being of the people are severed by 120 priests and a countless number of religious brothers and sisters in various ministries throughout the diocese

The people are as diverse in character and tradition as the parishes in which they live. From those who come from the hectic city parish such as, St. Columba’s Long Tower. To those in the quiet rural setting of St. Joseph’s, Glenullin. In all of this diversity, there is one thing that binds the people together, there faith. That they as a people belong to the Catholic Church and are in the Derry Diocese. A diocese that has a long an Noble History * of which they are part, a very important part. The vital part.

The faith has grown strong form it’s earliest foundations, from the monastery at Ardstraw with St. Eugene to the monastery founded by St. Columba on a small island in the river Foyle, that island grew to the city of Derry, from the diocese takes it’s name. (See the related articles on St. Eugene and St. Columba)

The Ecclesia centre of the Diocese is St. Eugene’s Cathedral. A focal point for the Diocese, and of course the principle church of the bishop. The Cathedral is the main church of the City, and the parish itself is called Templemore found on the West Bank of the River Foyle. Within Templemore Parish there are eight mensal parishes. The Bishop is Parish Priest of Templemore.

The parishes of the City and of the Diocese are listed on this site and you are most welcome to browse. Each parish has a web page, containing basic information, on mass times and confessions for example. The pages also give contact details of the priest or priests in the parish.