The Oratory of the Sacred Heart

-

The Oratory of the Sacred Heart

Celtic Revival style art close to you !

One example of Ireland's rich religious and architectural history is the Oratory of the Sacred Heart in Dún Laoghaire. Located in the centre of Dún Laoghaire, a busy seaside town south of Dublin, this holy building is significant for both its religious purpose and its magnificent architecture. In what seems like a simple building from the exterior has a very impressive interior that will take you by surprise. Designed by William Hague Jr, built between 1919 and 1922, commissioned by the Roman Catholic Church of Dun Laoghaire.


The design of the Oratory has strong roots in the Celtic Revival style, which was popularised in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a means of honouring and resurrecting Ireland's rich cultural legacy. The elaborate interlace patterns, symbolism, and love for nature that defined Ireland's ancient Celtic history served as the inspiration for this architectural style.The Dominican sisters donated their recently built oratory to the sacred heart, the statue of the sacred heart was given to them as a donation by a town in France to commemorate all the men who lost their lives during the Great War. It is said that 490 men lost their lives in the area around Kingstown (Dun Laoghaire).

Sister Concepta Lynch ,who had taught some of the men in primary school who had lost their lives in the Great War in France, was commissioned to hand paint the interior of the building around the Sacred Heart.Sr Concepta had an interest in the  art and lives of early Irish monks, influencing her to paint the interior walls, in motif's of zoomorphic figures such as birds and fish. The lower levels have muted earth tones  with animal figures associated with the ground such as snakes and lizards as your eye line rises the figures change to birds and then the sky above. Celtic interlaced designs represent the world of human kind.

The magnificent stained glass windows inside the Oratory, which show scenes from the stories of Christ and other saints, is another one of its most distinctive features. These windows, which capture the spirit of the Celtic Revival style, were created by the well-known Irish stained glass craftsman Harry Clarke. They are famous for their vivid colours and elaborate detailing.Upon entering the Oratory, guests are welcomed by a calm ambiance in which is evoked by light passing threw the stained glass. 

Sacred Heart is still used as a site of prayer and devotion, drawing people from all over to come enjoy its peace and beauty. A visit to the Oratory has a lasting effect on everyone who enters, whether they are appreciating its architectural beauty or understanding its spiritual significance. It is open to the public located on Library Rd. Go check this unique site out ! The link below is a a virtual tour of the Oratory if you want an insight of the building before visiting...

 a https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=R7BLdoeNP3j&hr=0&mt=1&guides=0&lp=0&kb=0&st=500&title=1&tourcta=0&gt=1&hr=0&mls=0&mf=1&vr=0&f=0

A great Coffee shop near by is called Happy Out located at Dun Laoghaire where you can sit over looking the water. Enjoy this great beauty and let us know what you think...

Yours Always,

Eva  


 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Kings Inn & The Hungry Tree

-
Image
Kings Inn & The Hungry Tree Volume 9  ' a remarkable architectural and historical landmark'. The Kings Inn was established in 1541 during the reign of  King Henry VIII, a renowned institution with an extensive history. It was established as a professional association for barristers, the King's Inn has developed into a prominent hub for legal education, housing Ireland's top law school and educating future barristers. Set within a prominent Georgian building, with original distinctive features of the time, such as its elegant proportions, sash windows, and balanced façade. Its grandeur is increased by the use of limestone details and red brick.  It historical past ties with British rule in Ireland representing the power of the monarchy at that time. Before The Kings Inn was established it was the residence of the Viceroy of Ireland. When Ireland regained power (independence in 1921) it became central to the establishment of the Irish legal system. Dublin's archit...
Read more

Howth Castle

-
Image
  The history of Howth Castle dates back to the Middle Ages. John de Courcy and Almeric, the first Lord of Howth, travelled to Ireland in 1177. According to legend, St. Lawrence won a battle at Evora Bridge, near the Church of Ireland, on August 10, the day of his feast day, giving him control of the Howth peninsula. It is supposed that he adopted the name St. Lawrence as a token of appreciation for this. Although Almeric constructed his wooden fortress above the harbor, a deed clearly shows that by 1235, a new fortress had been erected on the current location amidst the lush terrain. Once more, wood would have been used to build this. The current structure's earliest surviving elements date to the middle of the fifteenth century. Subsequent generations made significant alterations to the house to fit their own needs, 1738, when the house assumed its current form and when Sir Edwin Lutyens renovated and extended the building in 1911 and. Even now, traces of the changes may still be...
Read more