Centenary of the Dominican Oratory of the Sacred Heart, Dún Laoghaire

As part of the Decade of Centenaries, dlr Libraries and dlr Heritage Office plan to celebrate the centenary of the Dominican Oratory of the Sacred Heart (located along Library Road, Dún Laoghaire) with an exhibition in dlr LexIcon and accompanying publication.

Created to mark the end of WWI and to commemorate the many local Irishmen who had fought and died on the Western Front, the Oratory, built in 1919, was hand-painted by Sister M. Concepta Lynch between the years 1920-36. The stunning result is a highly-regarded masterpiece of the Gaelic Revival style. The windows were provided by the Harry Clarke Studio in Dublin.

We would like to hear from anyone who might have personal stories or connections with the Oratory. Did you attend the Dominican Convent Dún Laoghaire? Have you photos of Echo Lodge or are you related to any of the children who assisted Sr Concepta in her work? Have you photos of the Oratory from the early days prior to its refurbishment in the early 1990s?

An Cathaoirleach, Cllr Ossian Smyth has noted:

I am delighted to hear that the centenary of the Oratory will be commemorated in a special way in 2019. It will add enormously to the historical and social record of Dún Laoghaire. We hope to highlight this wonderful gem in the heart of our community, attracting more and more people to see this remarkable Oratory for themselves.

Please email Local Studies Librarian, Nigel Curtin at localhistory@dlrcoco.ie if you would like to share information or photos or to pass on any contacts to us. We look forward to hearing from you.