The Chantry Restaurant

The Chantry was originally the Methodist or Wesleyan Chapel of, Newtownbarry (now called Bunclody-a name which the town had before it was redesigned by James Barry the Landlord in the 18th century).

John Wesley visited the town twice and pioneered the fledging Methodist Church in the area. His first visit was in 1769 and his later trip in 1787.
He said of Newtownbarry “It is one of the most pleasant towns which I have, seen in the kingdom.” The first preaching house was set up in Newtownbarry, after his visit in the `assembly room’ where he gave his first sermon.

The present building was undertaken during the Ministry of Rev. John Wilson in 1808 when preparations were made for the building of a Chapel. During, the following five decades the original building was modified to incorporate,a modest dwelling for the resident Preacher.

Rev.Charles Graham was the spiritual Billy Graham of his time in,
Newtownbarry and preached in the fairs and markets as well as in the,
preaching house near the well.In 1819 he wrote to his friend Rev.Taylor
in London and stated that “Our preaching places are crowded: many are
forced to stand outside.

Other notable Ministers were Gideon Ouseley, Robert Houston and Fossey Tackaberry.

In latter times the residential rooms of the building were occupied by a,
Miss Hadden, originally from Carlow-a relative of the late Dr.Hadden the, noted Carlow/Wexford historian. She exhibited a model village which was, called Happytown’ much to the delight of the local children who were allowed to view the exhibit free of charge.The last Methodists to occupy the building were Mr. and Mrs. George Lewis,who at one time had considerable business interests in Bunclody.Mrs. Elizabeth Craig (nee Boxwell) was the next owner of the property.Mrs. Craig, who sold to the present owners , is a noted patron of the Arts.