Designed by John O'Neill and William Henry Byrne and built in the French Gothic style of local limestone ashlar in 1884.

This Roman Catholic church is known for its tall west gable, rose window and for containing the national shrine of St. Oliver Plunkett.

A ceremony was held for all to witness Richard O'Reilly, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of all-Ireland laying the foundation stone.

Although the occasion was marred by an unseemly interruption, when the Mayor and Drogheda corporation arrived at the ceremony wearing their official regalia, with the Mace and Sword of state being borne before them, to confront the Archbishop.

Sir Edward Bellew of Barmeath Castle, a Catholic, stepped forward and convinced the mayor and corporation and their fellow travelers to withdraw.