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3D MODELMy understanding is that this model is a detailed and accurate representation of the cathedral itself, showcasing its architectural features and intricate…
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AUGUST 2022 VISITThe parish of St. Laurence O'Toole, Kilmacud, was established in 1964, encompassing the areas of Kilmacud and Stillorgan. Prior to this, the local church for…
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BY IMOGEN STUARTronze statue of pope John Paul II embracing two kneeling children, based on a photograph taken during the Pope's visit in 1980.
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CARLOW CATHEDRALIts construction began in 1828, with the foundation stone laid by Bishop James Doyle, a prominent figure in Irish history. The cathedral was completed and… CELTIC CROSSESThere is a large number of Celtic crosses in Mount St. Lawrence Cemetery, Limerick. It's a common sight in Catholic and non-denominational cemeteries across… CHRIST CHURCHThe cathedral's allure lies in its stunning architecture, with its Romanesque and Gothic elements, intricate stone carvings, and beautiful stained-glass… CHURCH AT SEVILLE PLACESt. Laurence O'Toole Church, located on Seville Place in the Sheriff Street area of Dublin's north inner city, holds a significant place in the local… CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATIONDesigned by George Smith, the building exhibits typical Victorian architectural features. Its sturdy red brick construction and distinctive arched windows speak… CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEARTIn 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… CHURCH ON MERRION ROADIn 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 CLONTARF AND SCOTSThe Clontarf and Scots Presbyterian Church remains an active Presbyterian congregation. CONLETHS CHURCH CHRISTMAS 2012A family member lived in Newbridge but in 2012 she decided to sell it but she invited me to spend Christmas in Newbridge before the keys were handed over to the… CUSACK VAULTThe vault was built for James William Cusack, a renowned surgeon of his time. He served as president of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland three times and…
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GHOST STORYIt may surprise many visitors to discover that St. Patrick's Pontifical University, often referred to as Maynooth College, has its own graveyard. The cemetery… GOLDENBRIDGE CEMETERYIn May 2017, this historic Dublin cemetery reopened its gates, offering new family burial plots for the first time in nearly 150 years. Prior to this, access… GOSPEL HALLThe Irishtown Gospel Hall, standing on Irishtown Road, is a testament to adaptive reuse and community spirit. The building wasn't originally designed as a place… GRESHAM FAMILY VAULTThere is a Gresham family vault in Mount Jerome Cemetery, Dublin, and it's quite a unique one! It was fitted with a bell to allay the fears of a woman terrified…
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HENRY ROEDespite its remarkable success, Roe & Co. faced a series of challenges that ultimately led to its decline. Instead of simply listing the factors, let's explore…
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INGRAM FAMILY VAULTWhile the specific Ingram family associated with the memorial requires further investigation, research reveals several prominent Ingram families with ties to…
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JULY 2024 VISITSt. Mary of the Angels is not a parish church, but the friars also serve the nearby Halston Street Parish, one of the oldest in Dublin City Centre.
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KILMACUD CHAPELith the growing population, a new church (St. Laurence O'Toole) was built in 1969, and the old Chapel of Ease was eventually deconsecrated. KILMACUD PARISH CHURCHA worker, who suggested I return later, surprised me by referring to it as "Harley's Hanger"! This piqued my curiosity as I attended this church in the 1960s…
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LIMERICKThroughout the 1900s, the Catholic Church exerted considerable influence in Limerick. It played a central role in education, healthcare, and social services,…
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MANCHESTER MARTYRS MEMORIALWithin the hallowed grounds of Mount St. Lawrence Cemetery, amidst the weathered headstones and solemn monuments, stands a poignant reminder of a pivotal moment… MARIAN STATUE IN STILLORGANLocated at what locals once referred to as "Patrician Villas," now officially recognised as St. Laurence's Park, this statue stands as an outlier. MAYNOOTH AT RANDOMOverall, Maynooth offers a unique mix of history, education, and modern amenities, making it an appealing place to live, study, or visit. Whether exploring… MEMORIAL TO THREE PRIESTSThis memorial features a fascinating inscription! It commemorates three priests, likely brothers, with impressive careers. Here's a breakdown of the Latin and… MORE THAN 70 THOUSANDMount Saint Lawrence Cemetery in Limerick holds a prominent memorial to Patrick Sarsfield, a key figure in Irish Jacobite history. MOUNT JEROMEMount Jerome's story is one of resilience and renewal. It is a testament to the enduring power of history and the importance of preserving our cultural… MOUNT JEROME CEMETERYThe use of "v" instead of "u" in inscriptions on older cemeteries and graveyards in Britain and Ireland is linked to historical changes in the English language MOUNT JEROME DECEMBER 2014Founded in 1836 as Ireland's first privately owned cemetery, it quickly became the final resting place for many prominent figures from Dublin's 19th-century… MOUNT ST LAWRENCELocated in the South Liberties area of Limerick City, Mount St. Lawrence Cemetery stands as a poignant testament to the city's history. Since its consecration…
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NORTH STRANDThe North Strand Parish Church and the school building beside it, St. Columba's National School, share a rich history intertwined with the local community of…
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OLD GARRISON CHURCHLocated on the main street in Newbridge, the Old Garrison Church stands as a testament to the town's military and spiritual heritage. Built in 1859, this Gothic…
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PADRE PIO STATUEA Capuchin Franciscan church built in 1881, known for its beautiful architecture, historical significance (including connections to the 1916 Rising), and its…
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REPUBLICAN PLOT 2022The Republican Plot and the High Cross are not merely historical relics; they are living memorials. The ongoing efforts to preserve and enhance the site… ROBERT POTTER MP MEMORIALRobert Potter was a prominent figure in Limerick politics during the early 19th century. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Limerick City from 1832 to…
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SAINT CONLETH'S STATUEIn August 2024 when I photographed this sculpture and garden the statue portrayed the saint with a child perched upon his shoulders, holding aloft a St… SAINT CONLETHS CHURCHSt. Conleth's Catholic Church stands as a testament to the deep-rooted faith and rich history of Newbridge, County Kildare. This majestic church, dedicated to… SIR RICHARD MORRISONSir Richard Morrison (1767-1849) was a prominent Irish architect who left an indelible mark on the architectural landscape of Ireland during the 18th and 19th… STACGORY CHURCH RUINSThe current structure, built circa 1670, is not the original church on this site. Historical records suggest an earlier church, possibly dating back to the 11th… ST ANTHONY'S CHURCHMany are familiar with Saint Anthony’s Church on Clontarf Road, but fewer realise that the current parish church is actually situated behind an older building,… ST CONTLETHS GARDEN 2024Within the serene grounds of St Conleth's Church in Newbridge, a tranquil garden and a poignant statue honour Saint Conleth. The statue portrays the saint with… ST HOHN'S KILKENNYThe cemetery bears the marks of time, with some gravestones and monuments showing signs of decay. However, this only adds to its charm, offering a poignant… ST JOHN'S CEMETERYThe first thing you'll notice about St. John's Cemetery is the distinctive orange/brown hue of its gravestones. This unusual colouring sets it apart from many… ST JOSEPH'S CHURCHSt. Joseph's Church, located on Church Road in the East Wall area of Dublin, is a Catholic church that serves as the heart of the local community. ST MARYS CATHOLIC CHURCHThe church's design, typical of the period, features an ornate and elaborate facade contrasting with the simpler treatment of the remaining walls. This… ST MARYS CHURCHSt. Mary's Church of Ireland, situated on Parson Street in Maynooth, stands as a testament to the town's rich history and religious heritage. ST MATTHEWS CHURCHSt. Matthew's Church, nestled in the heart of Irishtown, Dublin, is a testament to the enduring spirit of community and faith. This historic church, with its… ST PHILIPS CHURCHThe architect was Sir Thomas Drew, renowned for designing other notable buildings like St. Anne's Cathedral in Belfast and Rathmines Town Hall.
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THE BLACK ABBEYTo visit the Black Abbey, you can enter the grounds of the Irish National Stud and follow the signs. The abbey is located a short distance from the main… THE BLACK CHURCH AND NEARBYLocal legend has it that if you walk around the Black Church three times anti-clockwise at the stroke of midnight, you will encounter the Devil himself! THE HOMELESS JESUSThis sculpture is called "Homeless Jesus" and it's located on the grounds of Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin. THE ROUND TOWERKildare town boasts a magnificent Round Tower, one of Ireland's finest surviving examples. THOMAS DRUMMOND MEMORIALDrummond's final resting place is in Mount Jerome Cemetery in Dublin. His dying wish was to be buried in Ireland, "the land of my adoption," a testament to his… TWO CHURCHESBoth churches in Monkstown are fine examples of Gothic Revival architecture, each with its unique charm and history. They remain active centres of their…
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VERY OLD CROSSESThese crosses likely predate the current church and were important markers of faith, devotion, and artistry during the early Christian period in Ireland
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WHO WAS THE SCULPTOR?It's understandable how the misinformation about Imogen Stuart's involvement arose, given her prominence as an Irish sculptor and her work with religious… WRITTEN IN STONEMount St Lawrence graveyard, located in the South Liberties, has been the primary place of burial in Limerick City for all strata of society since its opening…
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