ST MOBHI'S CHURCH 16 SEPTEMBER 2025
ST MOBHI'S ON CHURCH AVENUE [CHURCHYARD FEATURING A BEE HIVE]
St Mobhi's Church and Glasnevin's Historic Heart
St Mobhi's Church: An Urban Sanctuary
Nestled within an enclosed, historic graveyard off Church Avenue, St Mobhi's is a modest Church of Ireland church that offers a sense of tranquillity. It stands as a quiet reminder of Glasnevin's past as a rural village, long since absorbed into the densely developed landscape of modern Dublin.
A Fortunate Discovery
The churchyard gates are often locked, typically opening only for Sunday services. I have passed by many times over the years, only to find them closed. However, on a recent visit, my luck changed.
While walking along Church Avenue, I discovered the gates open and a gentleman with a strimmer preparing the grounds. He explained that the church was being readied for Open House Dublin, a free annual festival by the Irish Architecture Foundation. This event, held each October, explores the city's built environment and offers a unique opportunity to discover Dublin's architectural and cultural landscape. He also mentioned that I should be aware of the bees as there was hive at the side of the church.
History and Architecture of the Church
The site itself is steeped in history, originating as a monastery founded by St Mobhi in the sixth century, which formed the nucleus of the early Glasnevin settlement.
The current building reflects its long and gradual development. Historical records suggest the tower may date to the 14th century, later restored in the 17th. The main nave was then constructed in 1707, adjoining this pre-existing tower. During the nineteenth century, the south aisle and chancel were added under the supervision of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. The church holds significant social value as a long-standing place of worship and as a final resting place for both Catholics and Protestants from the area.
A Neighbouring Landmark: The Former Model School
Just along Church Avenue stands another significant building: the former model school. Originally opened in 1847, it was one of the first schools established after Catholic Emancipation. It was part of the 'model system', an initiative that aimed to provide non-denominational education but ultimately floundered due to opposition from both Catholic and Protestant churches.
The building served generations of Glasnevin residents, operating under various names, including Sacred Heart National School. More recently, it housed the Glasnevin Educate Together National School until they relocated to a new, purpose-built school on Griffith Avenue in January 2017. The property, which sits on a 0.16-hectare site bordered by the Bon Secours Hospital and Met Éireann, was put up for auction by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on 6 November 2018. Its prolonged vacancy and potential for redevelopment highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing historical preservation with contemporary needs in a changing urban landscape.
St Mobhi's Church and Glasnevin's Historic Heart
St Mobhi's Church: An Urban Sanctuary
Nestled within an enclosed, historic graveyard off Church Avenue, St Mobhi's is a modest Church of Ireland church that offers a sense of tranquillity. It stands as a quiet reminder of Glasnevin's past as a rural village, long since absorbed into the densely developed landscape of modern Dublin.
A Fortunate Discovery
The churchyard gates are often locked, typically opening only for Sunday services. I have passed by many times over the years, only to find them closed. However, on a recent visit, my luck changed.
While walking along Church Avenue, I discovered the gates open and a gentleman with a strimmer preparing the grounds. He explained that the church was being readied for Open House Dublin, a free annual festival by the Irish Architecture Foundation. This event, held each October, explores the city's built environment and offers a unique opportunity to discover Dublin's architectural and cultural landscape. He also mentioned that I should be aware of the bees as there was hive at the side of the church.
History and Architecture of the Church
The site itself is steeped in history, originating as a monastery founded by St Mobhi in the sixth century, which formed the nucleus of the early Glasnevin settlement.
The current building reflects its long and gradual development. Historical records suggest the tower may date to the 14th century, later restored in the 17th. The main nave was then constructed in 1707, adjoining this pre-existing tower. During the nineteenth century, the south aisle and chancel were added under the supervision of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. The church holds significant social value as a long-standing place of worship and as a final resting place for both Catholics and Protestants from the area.
A Neighbouring Landmark: The Former Model School
Just along Church Avenue stands another significant building: the former model school. Originally opened in 1847, it was one of the first schools established after Catholic Emancipation. It was part of the 'model system', an initiative that aimed to provide non-denominational education but ultimately floundered due to opposition from both Catholic and Protestant churches.
The building served generations of Glasnevin residents, operating under various names, including Sacred Heart National School. More recently, it housed the Glasnevin Educate Together National School until they relocated to a new, purpose-built school on Griffith Avenue in January 2017. The property, which sits on a 0.16-hectare site bordered by the Bon Secours Hospital and Met Éireann, was put up for auction by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on 6 November 2018. Its prolonged vacancy and potential for redevelopment highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing historical preservation with contemporary needs in a changing urban landscape.