Dunlavin is a village situated about midway between Blessington, and Baltinglass, in West Wicklow, about 50 Kilometers from Dublin

Located in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, the origin of the name Dunlavin is largely lost in the mists of time.

The first part "Dun" clearly relates to a fortress or castle, and the second part has been variously interpreted to mean "Elm Tree" (the modern Gaelic word for elm being "liamhan") or alternatively the name of some long forgotten local chieftan

The parish of Dunlavin, Donard and Davidstown has a long history and includes the Glen of Imaal where legendary figures such as Fiach MacHugh O'Byrne (1569-1597) and the rebel leader Michael Dwyer (1798-1803) resisted Crown forces.

On the 24th May 1798 thirty six men mostly locals were executed on a corner of the fair green, just outside the gates of the Church of Saint Nicholas of Myra.

Today the church stands in the middle of a vibrant local community, with many activities ranging from youth projects to meeting groups for the elderly being organised by volunteers and carers.

Our website is only a small part of the community activities and we invite visitors to return regularly for news updates on the parish and its people!