CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART NEXT TO ARBOUR HILL PRISON
The Church at Arbour Hill, Dublin, is a building with a layered history. Constructed in 1848 as a Church of Ireland chapel for the adjacent Arbour Hill Prison, it was designed in a cruciform style with transepts and a distinctive round tower. The church is linked to the main entrance of the prison by screen walls, creating a rather imposing façade.
Originally built to serve the predominantly Protestant prison staff, the chapel likely had a different name, which is yet to be definitively confirmed. Further research into archival records, architectural plans, and local historical societies may reveal its original title.
In 1997, the church was re-consecrated as a Roman Catholic church and renamed the Church of the Sacred Heart. It also became the Church of the Defence Forces following the closure of the nearby Collins Barracks.
The church is perhaps most well-known for its connection to the 1916 Easter Rising. The leaders of the Rising, including Patrick Pearse and James Connolly, are buried in the grounds of the church, making it a site of national and historical significance. A ceremony commemorating the Rising is held at the church every year.
Architecturally, the Church of the Sacred Heart has some interesting features. The interior is elaborately decorated and boasts a stained-glass window by the renowned Harry Clarke Studios. The entrance porch is unusual, with stairs leading to twin galleries for visitors at the nave and transept.
Originally built to serve the predominantly Protestant prison staff, the chapel likely had a different name, which is yet to be definitively confirmed. Further research into archival records, architectural plans, and local historical societies may reveal its original title.
In 1997, the church was re-consecrated as a Roman Catholic church and renamed the Church of the Sacred Heart. It also became the Church of the Defence Forces following the closure of the nearby Collins Barracks.
The church is perhaps most well-known for its connection to the 1916 Easter Rising. The leaders of the Rising, including Patrick Pearse and James Connolly, are buried in the grounds of the church, making it a site of national and historical significance. A ceremony commemorating the Rising is held at the church every year.
Architecturally, the Church of the Sacred Heart has some interesting features. The interior is elaborately decorated and boasts a stained-glass window by the renowned Harry Clarke Studios. The entrance porch is unusual, with stairs leading to twin galleries for visitors at the nave and transept.
CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART NEXT TO ARBOUR HILL PRISON