NEW SEARCH OPTION
USE TEXT BOX ABOVE
ST MAGDALEN'S CHURCH
ST MAGDALEN'S CHURCH IN DROGHEDA [NO LONGER ACTIVE]
The story of St. Magdalen's Church reflects the complex interplay of faith, history, and societal change. While its doors may be closed, its legacy endures, a reminder of the Dominican Order's deep roots in Drogheda and the ongoing evolution of religious life in Ireland.
St. Magdalen's Church, Drogheda: A History of Faith and Transformation
St. Magdalen's Church in Drogheda stands as a testament to the enduring presence of the Dominican Order in Ireland, despite its own physical absence. Though the church building no longer functions as a place of worship, its history sheds light on a vibrant community and its evolving role in the town and beyond.
A Flourishing Start:
Founded in 1224 by Lucas de Netterville, Archbishop of Armagh, the Dominican Friary of St. Mary Magdalene quickly gained prominence.
It became a centre of religious and intellectual life, witnessing significant events like the submission of Ulster chiefs to Richard II in 1399.
The friary endured turbulent times, including suppression during the Reformation and damage during the Cromwellian siege of Drogheda in 1649. Yet, the Dominican spirit persevered.
Rebuilding and Rebirth:
In the 19th century, as Catholic Emancipation brought renewed freedoms, the Dominican Order returned to Drogheda. The present St. Magdalen's Church, built in 1878, replaced an earlier chapel and served as a spiritual hub for the growing community.
Attached to a Dominican convent, the church flourished throughout the 20th century, witnessing countless baptisms, weddings, and funerals, marking the milestones of generations of Drogheda residents.
A Changing Landscape:
The late 20th century brought challenges for religious orders across Ireland, including declining vocations and changing societal attitudes. The Dominican convent in Drogheda closed in 2000, and St. Magdalen's Church ceased to function as a place of worship soon after.
Current Status & Future:
The Dominican Order, though no longer physically present in Drogheda, maintains a vibrant presence in Ireland. Their legacy continues through various ministries and institutions, fostering faith and education throughout the country.
The St. Magdalen's Church building is currently owned by the Drogheda Credit Union. While its future remains uncertain, there is hope that it will be preserved and repurposed, honouring its historical and architectural significance.
CARLOW CATHEDRAL
CARLOW CATHEDRAL [CATHEDRAL OF THE ASSUMPTION]
Construction and Design:
The Cathedral of the Assumption, the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin, stands proudly in Carlow Town. Its construction began in 1828, with the foundation stone laid by Bishop James Doyle, a prominent figure in Irish history. The cathedral was completed and consecrated in 1833. Its design is attributed to the renowned architect Thomas Cobden, a pioneer of the Gothic Revival style in Ireland. Cobden's vision for the cathedral was inspired by European examples, most notably the Belfry of Bruges, resulting in a striking blend of architectural elements.
Unique Features:
The Carlow Cathedral boasts several distinctive features that contribute to its grandeur and historical significance:
Imposing Tower: A prominent landmark visible from afar, the cathedral's tower reaches a height of 151 feet (46 meters), making it one of the tallest structures in Carlow.
Gothic Revival Architecture: The cathedral's architecture exemplifies the Gothic Revival style, with pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and ornate tracery adorning its exterior and interior. This style, popular in the 19th century, aimed to evoke the grandeur and spirituality of medieval cathedrals.
Stained Glass Windows: The cathedral houses a collection of beautiful stained glass windows, depicting scenes from the Bible and the lives of saints. These windows bathe the interior in colourful light, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere.
Historic Significance: As the first cathedral built in Ireland after Catholic Emancipation in 1829, the Cathedral of the Assumption holds a special place in Irish history. It symbolises the resurgence of Catholicism in the country after centuries of oppression.
MAIN MENU
PROGRESSIVE WEB APPLICATION VERSION
SELECT IMAGES TO VIEW MORE PHOTOGRAPHS
MARIAN STATUEFASSAUGH AVENUE TRAFFIC ISLAND
The statue is about 10 feet tall and depicts Mary in a traditional pose, with her hands folded in prayer and her head slightly bowed. She is wearing a long white dress and a blue cloak, and she has a crown on her head. The statue is standing on a pedestal, which is surrounded by a low wall
STATUE OF SAINT KILIANON ROEBUCK ROAD
This modern statue is located at St Kilian's German School on Roebuck Road in Clonskeagh.
I am still experimenting with Google Bard and used it to research St Killian but some of the information was somewhat doubtful. For example I could not confirm that the Town Of Killarney [referred to as a city by Bard] is named after St Killian. The Irish for Killarney is Cill Airne meaning the "Church Of Sloes".
I am still experimenting with Google Bard and used it to research St Killian but some of the information was somewhat doubtful. For example I could not confirm that the Town Of Killarney [referred to as a city by Bard] is named after St Killian. The Irish for Killarney is Cill Airne meaning the "Church Of Sloes".
MAYO MAN DIES AFTER HORSE RIDING ACCIDENT IN INDIAFINDLATER FAMILY VAULT
In 1823 Alex. Findlater & Co. began trading in Dublin. The company was founded by Alexander Findlater, a hard working spirit merchant. He set up his business on Burgh Quay opposite the Custom House. From humble beginnings, the business grew rapidly and extensively not just in Dublin but into the United Kingdom also, expanding into other fields; trading in Wines, Teas, Coffees and Groceries.
MARIAN STATUE ERECTED IN 1955 RATHER THAN 1955 OSCAR SQUARE PARK
Standing proudly on the podium of the iconic brutalist Berkeley Library is Sfera con sfera ('Sphere within sphere'). Properly part of Trinity College Dublin's Art Collections rather than a Library treasure, this sculpture by renowned Italian artist Arnaldo Pomodoro is, however, intrinsically linked to the Library. The 'Pomodoro sphere', as it is known locally, acts as a meeting point, photo backdrop and point of interest for thousands of students, staff and tourists as they move through Trinity's beautiful campus.
BROADSTONE MARIAN STATUEHAS BECOME MORE ISOLATED
Because of its colour, or should I say total lack of colour, this Marian statue is not very visible from The Western Way or from Constitution Hill. I know some who ware aware of it aware of it but did not know that there was a narrow walkway behind it and that there were steps leading up from the street below.
ST JAMES' CHURCH NOW THE PEARSE LYONS DISTILLERY AND VISITOR CENTRE
St. James' Church is a former Church of Ireland church in James's Street, Dublin, Ireland. Established in 1707, the corresponding parish, which was separated from that of nearby St. Catherine's, was established in 1710. There had been a shrine dedicated to St. James at nearby St. James's Gate, a stopping-off point for pilgrims, since medieval times. It has been proposed that the current church is near to the site of a church to St. James of Compostella which is first referred to in the mid-13th century.
ALDERMAN WILLIAM FRY OF 29 PEMBROKE PLACEBORN 9 JUNE 1804 - DIED 17 JANUARY 1857
The Family Vault of Alderman Fry Pembroke Place 1857... "Until the day break and the shadows flee away" [Song of Solomon 2:17].
Until today I did not have much luck finding any information relating to Alderman Fry or his family. However, I now know that he was born in Dublin 9 June 1804 and died at 29 Pembroke Place 17 January 1857. His mother was Anna Maria Louisa Dawson Lawrence and his father was Thomas Fry. His wife was Evelina Brassington who was also born in 1804 and she died in 1875.
Until today I did not have much luck finding any information relating to Alderman Fry or his family. However, I now know that he was born in Dublin 9 June 1804 and died at 29 Pembroke Place 17 January 1857. His mother was Anna Maria Louisa Dawson Lawrence and his father was Thomas Fry. His wife was Evelina Brassington who was also born in 1804 and she died in 1875.
SAINT FIN BARRE’S CATHEDRAL IN CORK CITYPHOTOGRAPHED IN MAY 2023
The church grounds are south of the River Lee on Holy Island, on one of the many inlets forming the Great Marsh of Munster (Corcach Mor na Mumhan). Saint Fin Barre's is on the site of at least two previous church buildings, each dedicated to Fin Barre of Cork, patron saint of Cork city and founder of the monastic hermitage at Gougane Barra.
Finbarr was born in about 550. He was, by legend, given Gougane Barra as a place of contemplation, and visited Cork city to lay the foundation stones for the "one true Christian faith".[3] According to tradition, after Finbarr died his remains were brought to Cork to be enclosed in a shrine near the site of today's cathedral.
Archaeological evidence suggests the first site at Fin Barre's probably dates from the 7th century, and consisted of a church and round tower that survived until the 12th century, after which it fell into neglect, or was destroyed during the Norman invasions.
Finbarr was born in about 550. He was, by legend, given Gougane Barra as a place of contemplation, and visited Cork city to lay the foundation stones for the "one true Christian faith".[3] According to tradition, after Finbarr died his remains were brought to Cork to be enclosed in a shrine near the site of today's cathedral.
Archaeological evidence suggests the first site at Fin Barre's probably dates from the 7th century, and consisted of a church and round tower that survived until the 12th century, after which it fell into neglect, or was destroyed during the Norman invasions.
UNUSED CHURCH OF IRELAND CHURCH TODAY I DECIDED TO USE AN OLD SIGMA CAMERA
The Church of Ireland was built in 1860, just south of its Roman Catholic counterpart – St. Laurence’s Church. It was designed by George Wilkinson. As of yet, it has not been refurbished but TU Dublin has plans to recover the building in the future and hopes to put it into use as a student event space. The Church presides over its own significant open space with an existing grove of trees and the plans for this protected site are for it to be refurbished for a variety of cultural uses.
POPE JOHN PAUL II BRONZE STATUE BY IMOGEN STUARTTHE SOUTH CAMPUS MAYNOOTH UNIVERSITY
Around the statue is a Heritage wall the purpose of which is to commemorate the generosity of those of Irish descent who donated to Maynooth College.
Imogen Stuart (born 1927) is a German-Irish sculptor. Stuart was born to the German art critic Bruno E. Werner and took up sculpting at a young age. As the Nazi Party gained more power, her mother, she, and her sister left the country. After World War II they united with Werner. In 1945 Stuart began studying under Otto Hitzberger, who taught her modelling, carving, and relief work using different materials. She met her future husband, the Irishman Ian Stuart, in 1948, and in 1949 the two went to Ireland together. The young sculptor, though born a Lutheran, became interested in Irish religious heritage and converted to Roman Catholicism. The two married in 1951 and took up residence in Laragh Castle near Glendalough. In their twenty-one years of marriage The Stuarts had three daughters: Aoibheann, Siobhan and Aisling.
Imogen Stuart (born 1927) is a German-Irish sculptor. Stuart was born to the German art critic Bruno E. Werner and took up sculpting at a young age. As the Nazi Party gained more power, her mother, she, and her sister left the country. After World War II they united with Werner. In 1945 Stuart began studying under Otto Hitzberger, who taught her modelling, carving, and relief work using different materials. She met her future husband, the Irishman Ian Stuart, in 1948, and in 1949 the two went to Ireland together. The young sculptor, though born a Lutheran, became interested in Irish religious heritage and converted to Roman Catholicism. The two married in 1951 and took up residence in Laragh Castle near Glendalough. In their twenty-one years of marriage The Stuarts had three daughters: Aoibheann, Siobhan and Aisling.
GOLDENBRIDGE CEMETERY MARCH 30 2023GET OFF THE TRAM STOP AT DRIMNAGH RATHER THAN AT THE GOLDENBRIDGE STOP
was pleased to discover that this old and historic graveyard was open when I visited today. Many times, in the past, I could access the cemetery as the gates are generally locked because of anti-social actives [real or exaggerated].
THE GREEK ORTHODOX COMMUNITY OF THE ANNUNCIATION DUBLINBIKES DOCKING STATION 103
This very attractive little church is not easy to find unless you know the area. The church is a reminder that the city has undergone huge demographic changes over the past twenty year but they moved out of Arbour Hill in 2001 after they got there own church in Harold's Cross.
THIS CHURCH IS UNIQUE AS IT WAS NAMED AFTER A PUBADAM AND EVE TAVERN
One thing that struck me as odd is that one section of the churched is fenced off ... is it to protect the organ? The organ was built by T.W. Magahy in 1936 using pipework from the old Telford organ there. It was rebuilt in 1996 by Trevor Crowe Ltd. There are around 3,000 pipes in the organ, seventy of which are gilded and incorporated in the casework. It is claimed to be the largest pipe organ in a Catholic church in Dublin and is very highly regarded. Eoin Tierney M.A., B.A. (Mus) was the first organ scholar of Adam and Eve’s Church.
ST AUDOEN'S CHURCH AND ADJACENT PUBLIC PARKCORNMARKET DUBLIN
St. Audeon’s Park sits alongside St. Audoen's Church at Cornmarket in Dublin city centre. The park features Dublin’s original stone walls and the last surviving entrance to the old city (St. Audoen’s Gate).
NEWTOWN ABBEY IN TRIM COUNTY MEATHCHRISTMAS DAY 2022 PUBLISHED JANUARY 2023
The main building is the Church of St Peter and St Paul (sometimes called a cathedral). The abbey church features lancet windows, with Norman-style sedilia to the right of the altar, and a double piscina for washing communion vessels.
A smaller church in the east of the monastery is the parish church of Newtown Clonbun. This is the burial site of Lucas Dillon (c. 1530 – 1592), Attorney General for Ireland and Chief Baron of the Irish Exchequer, and his first wife Jane Bathe. Their tomb effigies are separated by a sword of state, and so they gained the local nickname of the “jealous man and woman”.
A smaller church in the east of the monastery is the parish church of Newtown Clonbun. This is the burial site of Lucas Dillon (c. 1530 – 1592), Attorney General for Ireland and Chief Baron of the Irish Exchequer, and his first wife Jane Bathe. Their tomb effigies are separated by a sword of state, and so they gained the local nickname of the “jealous man and woman”.
THE YELLOW STEEPLEAT ST MARY'S ABBEY IN TRIM COUNTY MEATH
The Yellow Steeple, which does appear to be yellow in some of my photographs, is alleged to have been destroyed by Oliver Cromwell. The story of the tower's destruction is based on local tradition. According to one account, the Yellow Steeple was actually used as a garrison against Cromwell's troops until the tower was destroyed
MAUDLIN CEMETERY IN TRIMFEATURING OUR LADY OF TRIM
The Maudlin Cemetery which was the site of the Leper Hospital of Mary Magdalene, and later a cemetery which was used as a burial ground for the poor who died in the workhouse.
PRIORY OF ST JOHN THE BAPTISTNEWTOWN TRIM
Adjacent to the old Newtown Bridge that spans the River Boyne stands the ruins of the Priory and Hospital of St John the Baptist. The priory was founded for the 'Crutched Friars' (name is from the wooden staffs they carried which were topped by a cross) by Simon de Rochfort c 1202, about the same time as he founded the Cathedral and medieval parish church. The Friars were Augustinians who ran hospitals and guest houses.
FR. ANDY FARRELL WAY15 STATIONS OF THE CROSS IN TRIM COUNTY MEATH
My understanding is that when Trim Castle Hotel was constructed it was necessary to replace a wall partly owned by the church so as compensation the builders undertook to provide the ’stations of the cross’ shown in my photographs.
BECTIVE ABBEYHISTORIC SITE NEAR THE TOWN OF TRIM
Bective Abbey is a Cistercian abbey on the River Boyne in Bective, County Meath, Ireland.
The abbey was founded in 1147, and the remaining (well-preserved) structure and ruins primarily date to the 15th century. The site, including a nearby car park, were purchased by the state in 2012, and are managed by the Office of Public Works. The abbey, including its early 13th century church, 15th century cloister, and 16th century tower, is a protected structure and recorded on the register of National monuments of Ireland.
The abbey was founded in 1147, and the remaining (well-preserved) structure and ruins primarily date to the 15th century. The site, including a nearby car park, were purchased by the state in 2012, and are managed by the Office of Public Works. The abbey, including its early 13th century church, 15th century cloister, and 16th century tower, is a protected structure and recorded on the register of National monuments of Ireland.
A QUICK VISIT TO BIRD AVENUE CLONSKEAGH AREA OF DUBLIN
Bird Avenue in Clonskeagh is home to a huge red brick church known as the Church Of The Immaculate Virgin Mary Of The Miraculous Medal which is a rather long and complicated name.
QUEEN OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARYMARIAN STATUE AT THE FORK ON MOUNT DRUMMOND AVENUE
I have an ongoing mini-project to photograph all the Marian Statues in Dublin but I have failed to locate more than about ten or twelve. This one I found by accident in September 2017.
ISLAMIC CULTURAL CENTRE OF IRELAND ROEBUCK ROAD CLONSKEAGH
The Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland is an Islamic complex, including a mosque, in Clonskeagh, Dublin, Ireland. It is funded by the al-Maktoum Foundation of Dubai and has a Sunni orientation.
ST PATRICK'S CLOSE PILLAR DAMAGED AGAIN
The street in front of Benjamin Lee’s statue at St. Patrick's Cathedral was for a period called Guinness St, before reverting back to St Patrick’s Close. At the entrance to the Close, from St. Patrick's Street, are two large pillars and for many months the top section of the pillar nearest the Cathedral was missing because of an accident. Not long after restoration work was completed it has been, once again, damaged.
JESUS THE HOMELESS ON A REALLY COLD DAY IN DECEMBER
Homeless Jesus, also known as Jesus the Homeless, is a bronze sculpture by Canadian sculptor Timothy Schmalz depicting Jesus as a homeless person, sleeping on a park bench. The original sculpture was installed at Regis College, University of Toronto, in early 2013. Other casts have since been installed at many places across the world.
In recent weeks Peter McVerry Trust has mobilised 35 Cold Weather Beds across Dublin in partnership with @HomelessDublin
In recent weeks Peter McVerry Trust has mobilised 35 Cold Weather Beds across Dublin in partnership with @HomelessDublin
CHRIST CRUCIFIEDMOUNT ARGUS CHURCH IN DUBLIN 25 NOVEMBER 2022
Constituted 1974. The Church and Monastery of Mount Argus have been home of the Passionist Congregation since 1856. The Church houses the shrine of Saint Charles of Mount Argus who lived here from 1857 until his death in 1893. His feast day is celebrated on the 5th January.
HIGH CROSS IN A SMALL PARKDOLPHIN'S BARN
This High Cross, which is not very attractive, at Dolphins Barn dates from 1868 and it was originally located in the garden of the priest's house at St James’s Terrace. It was moved to its present location in 1991 which could be described a a very small park across the road from Our Lady of Dolours Church.
ANOTHER MARIAN STATUECEANNT FORT AT MOUNTE BROWNE
Because of all the protection it was close to impossible to photograph this religious statue.
This caught me by surprise and I cannot find any details online. I do not have any reason to believe that it is not a Marian Statue and I cannot understand why it is protected by such an ugly, and annoying, perspex case. I do not remember seeing any other Marian Statue protected in such a manner and I have never seen one that has been vandalised in anyway. Maybe it needs protection from the elements as it is in an exposed position but many others are.
This caught me by surprise and I cannot find any details online. I do not have any reason to believe that it is not a Marian Statue and I cannot understand why it is protected by such an ugly, and annoying, perspex case. I do not remember seeing any other Marian Statue protected in such a manner and I have never seen one that has been vandalised in anyway. Maybe it needs protection from the elements as it is in an exposed position but many others are.
MAUDLIN STREET KILKENNY FEATURING MAUDLIN CASTLE
The Hospital of St. Mary Magdalene in Kilkenny was opened sometime before 1327 (perhaps by William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke in the early 13th century) and it quickly became one of the main leper houses in medieval Ireland. It was on the edge of the city and surrounded by high walls. The entrance was controlled through a gatehouse. It also had a chapel, graveyard and 50 acres of farmland. This hospital had a long association with St. John's Priory, Kilkenny.
SAINT JOHN'S GRAVEYARDDUBLIN ROAD KILKENNY SEPTEMBER 2022
When I first visited this old graveyard I noted that the colour of the gravestones was different to what I normally see in Irish graveyards [orange/brown rather than grey/white]. I assume that gravestones were covered in what was an orange algae, lichen or fungi however this visited I noticed that, in many cases, the orange material had been bleached pure white
STATUE OF SAINT DOMINICNEAR THE BLACK ABBEY
Saint Dominic (Spanish: Santo Domingo), also known as Dominic of Osma and Dominic of Caleruega, often called Dominic de Guzmán and Domingo Félix de Guzmán; 8 August 1170 – 6 August 1221), was a Castilian priest and founder of the Dominican Order. Dominic is the patron saint of astronomers.
ST PATRICK'S GRAVEYARDKILKENNY SEPTEMBER 2022
A picturesque graveyard containing a collection of markers of artistic design significance exhibiting high quality stone masonry. A number of markers dating to the late seventeenth century represent an important element of the archaeological heritage of Kilkenny while serving as a reminder of the mass house, later a Catholic chapel that existed on site until the late eighteenth century.
MOUNT JEROME CEMETERY26 AUGUST 2022
Today I experimented hoping to produce images that differed in style from what I normally publish online. I used a Canon 1Ds MkIII which is about 15 years old and I used a Voigtlander 40mm f/2.0 Ultron SL II Aspherical Lens. https://dustinabbott.net/2017/05/voigtlander-ultron-40mm-f2-sl-ii-review/
I underexposed and then processed the images through DX0 PureRAW in order to reduce noise. The resulting files were then processed using Adobe Lightroom Classic.
The name of the cemetery comes from an estate established there by the Reverend Stephen Jerome, who in 1639 was vicar of St. Kevin's Parish. At that time, Harold's Cross was part of St. Kevin's Parish. In the latter half of the 17th century, the land passed into the ownership of the Earl of Meath, who in turn leased plots to prominent Dublin families.
I underexposed and then processed the images through DX0 PureRAW in order to reduce noise. The resulting files were then processed using Adobe Lightroom Classic.
The name of the cemetery comes from an estate established there by the Reverend Stephen Jerome, who in 1639 was vicar of St. Kevin's Parish. At that time, Harold's Cross was part of St. Kevin's Parish. In the latter half of the 17th century, the land passed into the ownership of the Earl of Meath, who in turn leased plots to prominent Dublin families.
MARIAN GROTTO NCR LIMERICKENTRANCE TO THE LIMERICK EDUCATE TOGETHER SECONDARY SCHOOL
I was aware of this Marian Grotto but could never find it until today when I came across it by accident when I noticed a lady bring some flowers up a narrow path.
ST ANN'S HOLY WELLSAINT ANNE'S PARK 15 AUGUST 2022
The well itself dried up in the 1950s, and although Dublin City Council made several attempts to relocate the source, it remains dry as of 2022. The site is still respected, and was visited in 2000 by a formal joint procession of worshippers from the Raheny parishes of the Roman Catholic Church and Church of Ireland. The site was cleaned of soil and vegetation by a specialist contractor in early 2018, the original well opening located, and a safety grille, also keeping leaves out, was fitted over the former outlet.
GOLDENBRIDGE CEMETERY I WAS SURPRISED BY THE FACT THAT IT WAS OPEN 20 JUNE 2022
WINDMILL ROAD AND THE REPARATION CONVENTCONNECTING SOUTH SUMMERHILL TO HIGH STREET
MARIAN STATUEHARRINGTON SQUARE AT DILLONS CROSS IN CORK
Commercial DisclosurePLEASE NOTE THAT LINKS BELOW MAY REDIRECT YOU TO THE AMAZON LOCATION MOST LIKELY TO SHIP TO YOUR ADDRESS
You will find links to buy products from Amazon, Google and other partners. If you click on these links, you’ll find that the URL includes a small extra piece of text which identifies that the click came from my websites. This text is an affiliate code, and it means that I get a small percentage of the money you spend if you choose to buy that product, or, in some cases, other products from the site soon after. These affiliate links help pay the costs of producing my websites and ensure that the content is free to you.
