New book to be published on Irish church pipe organs

Monday October 26th 2026

A new book is to be published documenting all the pipe organs in Church of Ireland parishes across the island of Ireland.

The author, Mark Whelan from the Diocese of Meath & Kildare, is painstakingly researching and documenting these organs as part of a project, ‘Irish Church Pipe Organs – Thy Are What Thy Are.’

While he admits the book may take some time, with more than 1,000 Church of Ireland churches to be researched in respect of their pipe organs, Mark is appealing to individual parishes to submit information or comments!

“The book, to be published in the future, will provide a comprehensive list of fully referenced, photographed and indexed record of pipe organs found in all the over 1,000 Church of Ireland places of worship on the entire island of Ireland,” Mark said.

“It will also include a paragraph or two per church about any long-term organists who have served their church well over the years and may be still playing or may have passed. Parish organists do need a little recognition, and there are many great stories to hear about hard-working organists in the Diocese of Connor I’m assured.”

Mark Whelan.

Mark added: “There are many pipe organs to be found in the Diocese of Connor. There are also many interesting albeit smaller pipe organs to be found in the more rural churches.”

To date, more than 300 churches (Catholic, Protestant, Methodist, Baptist and other venues such as halls, schools) have been visited filmed, photographed and shared online, including many located in the Diocese of Connor, Mark said.

You can join the journey with Mark on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram, searching for those hidden pipe organs and finally secure their rightful place on the Irish Pipe Organ Register online.

The YouTube channel shows all churches visited regardless of their denomination throughout the Diocese of Connor and beyond. The Facebook Page shows the churches where pipe organs were found and other features about recitals, church building histories, funds for friendless pipe organs, picturesque photographs of all churches visited and many more items of interest in the mostly as yet hidden world of pipe organs.

Mark said: “It is also an interesting means to have a look around and inside our churches throughout Ireland without having to leave your armchair.

“Do subscribe, follow, comment, like & share.”

Mark said information and comments are welcome, with local knowledge which churches have pipe organs or not much appreciate. Please email whelanmark34@gmail.com referencing Irish Pipe Organs.