Rathfarnham Church of Ireland (Anglican) Parish History

History records a timber parish Church in Rathfarnham at 1212AD. Later a stone Church was built on the site and the ruins remain to today, 40 metres north of the present Church.

In 1779/80 a decision was made to build a new Church as the congregation grew in numbers. In 1785 the foundation stone for the new Church was laid on the present site and 1789 it opened for worship. The Church was consecrated in 1795. Entering the church through the doorway under the spire, a simple staircase rises to the organ loft, the entrance to the church is to the visitor's left. The interior is surprisingly big with a large organ dominating the right hand transept.

Since the structure was first built, the church has had many additions and alterations.

In 1821 the porch, tower and vestry were added.
In 1852 a transept on the north side was added and a gallery built.
In 1889 a transept was added on the south side to accommodate the organ and choir.
In 1994 the old school house on the site was developed and renovated and connected to the Church by a foyer. This is now the Parish Centre. At the same time the sexton’s house was re-modelled into a curate’s residence.
In 2001 the “Millennium Side Chapel” was built and consecrated.
In 2003 the front of the Church and choir stalls were re-ordered.
In 2004 the Church roof was replaced and the attic timbers renewed. For further details and photos, click on THIS LINK

Today it is a fine small church that stands out amongst the mediocre recent developments that have swamped the village. Further photographs may be obtained from the website of Irish Architecture.com (The Church of Ireland is not responsible for the content of external internet sites)

BRIEF HISTORY