St Catherine& #39;s Church, Thomas Street – originally built in 1185 ,the current building dates to 1759, to the designs of John Smyth (who also gave us The Great South Wall harbour & the original Poolbeg Lighthouse). The church is best known as the site of Robert Emmets execution. ~1
Emmet launched a rebellion on 23rd July 1803 in order to seize Dublin Castle. But with only 200 men, it only amounted to a large-scale disturbance. Emmet fled into hiding, but was captured, tried, & found guilty of treason. He was hanged & beheaded in front of St. Catherines..~2
His body was initially buried in Bully& #39;s Acre, but was then removed. Rumours of his final resting place range from St Michan& #39;s, to St Peters (Aungier St, no longer standing), or St. Mobhi’s in Glasnevin. Although the rebellion was a failure, Emmet’s final speech at the trial...~3
has gone down in history. Abraham Lincoln memorized it by heart, & it& #39;s also thought to have influenced Churchill.
St. Catherines was deconsecrated in 1967, and passed into the hands of @DubCityCouncil & was used for exhibitions & concerts. It was here that @TheChieftains...~4
St. Catherines was deconsecrated in 1967, and passed into the hands of @DubCityCouncil & was used for exhibitions & concerts. It was here that @TheChieftains...~4
played their 1st gig, and a plaque celebrating this can be seen today. A memorial to those took part & were executed in Emmets 1803 Rebellion can also be seen.
Inside, a crypt holds the remains of several Earls of Meath, including Christopher Plunkett, 2nd Earl of Fingall...~5
Inside, a crypt holds the remains of several Earls of Meath, including Christopher Plunkett, 2nd Earl of Fingall...~5
who was fatally wounded at the Battle of Rathmines in 1649 – a decisive battle in the Irish Confederate Wars.
Behind the church lies the graveyard, originally dating to 1552, which was developed as a small park in 1985. Its recent renovation has opened up this historic site...~6
Behind the church lies the graveyard, originally dating to 1552, which was developed as a small park in 1985. Its recent renovation has opened up this historic site...~6
once more to the public. The church itself was fully refurbished and reconsecrated in 1998. It celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2019 and is a vibrant focal point for the local community. ~End