Church

OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE

September 10, 2024 by infomatique

MERRION ROAD IN DUBLIN

Here is a summary of its origin, development, and current status:

Origin

Need for a New Church: In the 1920s, the Catholic population in the Merrion area grew, prompting the Archbishop of Dublin to decide that a new church and parish were needed.
Land and Funding: The land for the church was generously donated by Mrs. Anne Doyle, and Mr. Matthew McCabe contributed a significant sum to purchase the freehold from the Pembroke Estate. The construction itself was a considerable undertaking, costing over £200,000 at the time.
Construction and Opening: Work began in 1951, delayed by World War II. The church was officially opened and blessed by Archbishop McQuaid on December 13, 1953.
Development

Architectural Style: The church was designed by Simon Leonard in the style of a Basilica, with a façade finished in Dublin granite and limestone. Notable features include a high circular belfry inspired by Irish Round Towers, and a magnificent rose window depicting Our Lady Queen of Peace. The interior boasts a marble High Altar and stained glass windows, all crafted by the Earley Studios.
Establishment of the Parish: It wasn’t until 1964 that Merrion was formally constituted as a parish, with Canon Scanell as its first parish priest.
Recent Renovations: The church and its grounds underwent renovations in 2012 and 2014, respectively.

Current Status

Active Parish: Our Lady Queen of Peace remains an active and vibrant parish, serving the Catholic community in the Merrion area.
Pastoral Care: Since 2008, priests of the Opus Dei Prelature have been entrusted with the pastoral care of the parish.
Community and Services: The church offers a range of services and activities, including Mass, sacraments, devotions, and various parish groups catering to different age groups and interests.
Online Presence: The parish maintains a website and social media presence to provide information, share news, and facilitate online engagement.

ST PHILIP’S CHURCH ON TEMPLE ROAD

August 23, 2024 by infomatique

DESIGNED BY SIR THOMAS DREW

St. Philip’s Church, Milltown

History:

The site for the church was donated by Lord Palmerston in 1864.
The foundation stone was laid the same year, and the church was consecrated in 1867.
The architect was Sir Thomas Drew, renowned for designing other notable buildings like St. Anne’s Cathedral in Belfast and Rathmines Town Hall.
The church was built to cater to the spiritual needs of the expanding population in the then-new suburb of Milltown.
The church underwent enlargement in 1878/79.
Architectural Style:

The church exhibits the Early English Gothic architectural style, recognised by its pointed arches and lancet windows.
It comprises a nave and an apse-shaped chancel.
The roof of the chancel is polygonal, adorned with moulded ribs.
Current Status:

St. Philip’s remains an active parish church, serving the Milltown and Dartry communities.
It is well-maintained and continues to be a centre for worship and community events.
There is no recent information available regarding any major restorations.

Sir Thomas Drew (1838-1910) was a prominent Anglo-Irish architect who left an indelible mark on the architectural landscape of Ireland.
He was known for his expertise in church architecture, particularly in the Gothic Revival style, but he also designed a wide range of other buildings, including commercial structures, public buildings, and houses.

Drew was born in Belfast and trained under the renowned architect Sir Charles Lanyon. He later moved to Dublin, where he established his own practice and became a leading figure in the architectural profession. He served as the President of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland from 1889 to 1901 and was knighted in 1885 for his contributions to architecture.

Some of Drew’s most notable works include:

St. Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast: This grand cathedral, completed in 1904, is considered one of the finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture in Ireland.
Ulster Bank, Dublin: This imposing building on Dame Street, completed in 1891, is a testament to Drew’s skill in designing commercial structures.
Rathmines Town Hall, Dublin: This elegant building, completed in 1899, is a landmark in the Rathmines area and serves as a venue for various cultural events.
Graduates’ Memorial Building, Trinity College Dublin: This striking building, completed in 1906, houses the university’s library and reading rooms.
St. Philip’s Church, Milltown: This charming church, designed by Drew in 1864, is a testament to his ability to create beautiful and functional places of worship.
Drew’s architectural legacy is evident throughout Ireland, and his buildings continue to be admired for their beauty, craftsmanship, and functionality. He played a crucial role in shaping the architectural landscape of Ireland in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and his work continues to inspire architects and enthusiasts today.

NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

April 14, 2024 by infomatique

CATHOLIC CHURCH ON CHAPELIZOD ROAD

Chapelizod holds a significant place in Irish religious history. Its churches primarily reflect the historically dominant Roman Catholic tradition, along with a Church of Ireland presence.

This church has a significant place in Chapelizod’s history. Designed by John Bourke and built following Catholic Emancipation, it opened in 1849.

The church’s Gothic-Revival style is striking. Its dark limestone, buttresses, pinnacles, and stained-glass windows create an imposing yet beautiful structure. An interesting quirk is its elevated position on a crypt, intended to keep it safe from floods.

While the reordered interior is comparatively plain, it features a rib-vaulted ceiling and a commemorative marble stoup within the tower.

St. Laurence’s Church of Ireland is a much smaller but charming church that serves/served the Anglican community in the area. It does appear that the church building itself is currently not in active use for regular worship. It’s listed on the ‘Buildings at Risk’ register, indicating concern for its condition. Despite its current state, St. Laurence’s holds historical importance. It dates back to medieval times, with the current structure built in the early 18th century. While the building may not host regular services, it’s possible that the Church of Ireland community uses associated buildings for meetings or other purposes.

THE CHURCH AND GRAVES -223572-1

March 31, 2024 by infomatique

TWO CROSSES AND TULLY CHURCH AT LAUGHANSOWN LANE

The Laughanstown High Cross, also known as the Tully High Cross, is located near Tully Church in Laughanstown, County Dublin, Ireland. The site consists of the ruined medieval Tully Church and two stone high crosses. The church and its lands were donated to Christ Church in Dublin by Sitric Mac Torcaill, shortly after the Anglo-Norman invasion, and continued to be used until the beginning of the 17th century.

The exact date of construction of the first church at this location is unknown, but the remains of the foundation of the early nave may be from the 9th century or older. The chancel, divided from the nave by a fine arch, was added in the late 12th or early 13th century. It is unusual in that it is wider than the nave.

The site is reputed to be dedicated to St. Bridget and was an important diocesan centre in the 1st Millennium AD, referred to in early literature as Tulach na nEpscop (‘the Hill of the Bishops’).

There are two high crosses at the site. One is a granite ringed cross seated on a massive stone pedestal, probably dating from the 10th century. The top of the cross is shaped into a gabled roof. This cross was given a new home in the 1800s by a man named James Crehan who saved the cross from being discarded when the road level was being adjusted by placing the cross on a plinth.

The second granite high cross, dating from the 12th century, is located in a nearby field, to the north-west of the church. It’s 2.2m high and has a figure of a bearded bishop carved on one side, and on the other side, there are strong raised mouldings outlining the cross, with a faceless head at the intersection of the arms.

The graveyard surrounding the ruin is home to headstones dating up to the late 19th century. The site is freely accessible and offers wonderful views of Killiney Hill and the Irish Sea to the east, and the Dublin Mountains to the west.

IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE BUT THIS CHURCH IS NAMED AFTER A PUB

March 14, 2024 by infomatique

MERCHANTS QUAY CHURCH

It was difficult to capture well formed images as the FX30 does not perform well under poor lighting conditions.

Adam and Eve’s Church: A Franciscan Legacy on Dublin’s Merchants Quay

The Church of the Immaculate Conception, more affectionately known as Adam and Eve’s, stands as a landmark along Dublin’s Merchants Quay. This Roman Catholic church, with its rich history and warm Franciscan spirit, offers a blend of tradition and welcoming community.

A Story Woven Through Time

The Franciscans have a long connection to the site, dating back to the 13th century. Their friary, suppressed during the Reformation, saw a clandestine revival in the 17th century. Locals cleverly disguised the chapel by making the entrance through the Adam and Eve Inn, giving rise to the church’s beloved nickname. The current church, built in 1834, has undergone transformations but retains its essence.

Architectural Highlights

Imposing Facade: The neoclassical facade, designed by Patrick Byrne, lends an air of grandeur to the streetscape.
Inspiring Interior: Inside, visitors find a spacious and well-lit nave that inspires quiet reflection.
Impressive Organ: The church boasts a magnificent pipe organ, said to be among the largest in a Catholic church in Dublin. Its music enriches the worship experience.

A Heart of the Community

Adam and Eve’s serves not only as a place of worship, but as a centre for community support. The Franciscan Friars actively engage in outreach programs, offering aid and compassionate care to those living on the margins.

Experiencing Adam and Eve’s

Attend Mass: Participate in a celebration of faith and witness the welcoming spirit of the Franciscan community.
Admire the Art: Stained glass windows, paintings, and statues offer opportunities for artistic contemplation.
Take in a Concert: The church occasionally hosts musical performances, showcasing its grand organ and resonant acoustics.
Whether you seek spiritual connection, architectural interest, or the warmth of community, Adam and Eve’s Church opens its doors as a distinctive part of the Dublin experience.