The South Quays’ relatively open space offers an unobstructed view of the North Quays, making it an ideal vantage point for a street photographer like myself. Armed with my Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max, I captured the contrasting architectural styles: the grandeur of the Four Courts and the old Church On Araan Quay which is discussed below.
History
Built between 1835 and 1837, shortly after Catholic Emancipation, a time where Catholics gained increased rights to build prominent places of worship. Designed by Patrick Byrne, a significant architect of Catholic churches in Ireland during this era. He also designed St. Audoen’s Catholic Church nearby.
Saint Paul’s forms a historic and visual focal point on Arran Quay. Designed by Patrick Byrne, it was built soon after Catholic Emancipation, when the Roman Catholic Church was beginning to build visible high-status buildings. Its tall Italianate bell and clock tower provides visual as well as contextual interest, with the inclusion of a clock, which was more common on Protestant Churches, implying a sense of public responsibility and thus increasing the status of the building.
The elegant detailing on the portico, as well as the later figures to the pediment (Joseph Robinson Kirk, c.1870), provide decorative and technical interest to the façade, and are testament to the skill and craftsmanship of stone workers and sculptors in the nineteenth century.
The very fine classical interior, with a wealth of quality materials and craftsmanship, adds to the overall architectural importance of this ecclesiastical site, despite the removal of some features such as the altar rails. Eamonn and Sinead De Valera were married here in 1910, adding a certain historical significance to the building.
Artistic interest is added by the altar, by Farrell (before 1863), and a copy of Rubens Conversion of St. Paul by F.S. Barff (1863), which replaced an earlier representation of the crucifixion. The church had fallen into disuse, although currently it is used for some Catholic services as well as Syrian Orthodox services and Taize prayer.
Note: St. Paul’s is no longer the parish church. However, it is still used by a Catholic youth group and the St. Gregrorios Jacobite Syrian Christian Church.
I asked Bard [Google’s AI] to provide a story about Christ Church Cathedral and here is the result:
Amidst the vibrant tapestry of Dublin’s historic centre, Christ Church Cathedral stands as a towering sentinel, its weathered stones whispering tales of a millennium past. Founded in the 11th century by the Norsemen who had claimed Dublin as their haven, the cathedral has endured the trials of time, bearing witness to the city’s tumultuous evolution.
Originally a modest timber structure, the cathedral underwent a series of transformations over the centuries, its architecture evolving from Romanesque to Gothic. The grandeur of its soaring vaults, intricate carvings, and stained glass windows now evokes a sense of awe, transporting visitors back to an era of faith and grandeur.
Stepping through the cathedral’s imposing oak doors, one is immediately enveloped by an atmosphere of tranquility. The hushed whispers of visitors mingle with the sonorous strains of organ music, creating a harmonious blend of sound that echoes through the cavernous nave.
The cathedral’s rich history is palpable in every corner, from the labyrinthine crypts below to the grand chambers above. The ‘Undercroft,’ once a Viking burial ground, now houses a collection of artifacts that chronicle Dublin’s past, including the infamous ‘Cathedral Bells.’
Climbing the winding staircase to the cathedral’s upper levels, one encounters stunning views of the cityscape, with Dublin Castle and the River Liffey gracing the horizon. The panoramic vista serves as a reminder of the cathedral’s enduring presence, a steadfast witness to Dublin’s ever-changing panorama.
Christ Church Cathedral is not merely a relic of the past; it remains a vibrant hub of religious and cultural life. Regular services fill the cathedral with the sounds of prayer and hymns, while exhibitions and concerts showcase the city’s artistic heritage.
As the sun sets over Dublin, casting a warm glow upon the cathedral’s weathered stones, one can’t help but feel a sense of deep connection to this remarkable place. Christ Church Cathedral stands as a testament to human resilience and faith, a beacon of hope in the heart of a bustling metropolis.
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