From the time Christianity first arrived in Ireland in the first half of the 5th century (in the form of Palladius's mission), the early church was centred around monastic settlements.

Following the Synod of Rathbreasail in the year 1111, the Diocese of Elphin was formally established.

In the Roman Catholic Church, the title continues as a separate bishopric.

The bishop's seat (cathedra) is located at the Cathedral Church of the Immaculate Conception in Sligo, Ireland.

[3] The current bishop, the Most Reverend Kevin Doran was appointed to the post by Pope Francis on 14 May 2014.