Meath Street Church

St Catherine of Alexandria, Meath Street

Meath StreetGothic Revival, elaborate window tracery, carved limestone hood mouldings, tower added around 1920

This church is still ahead. Its chapter will be written when its visit comes.

§What is known

Built: 1858 · J. J. McCarthy; tower by Ashlin and Coleman
Style: Gothic Revival, elaborate window tracery, carved limestone hood mouldings, tower added around 1920
Dedication: St Catherine of Alexandria

Mass times

§Where

No photographs yet — the essay appears only after the visit.

§Notes

Fragments gathered while researching this church: stories, curiosities, people and dates.

1852
Construction of present church begins Construction of the current Gothic Revival church began in 1852 to designs by J. J. McCarthy, replacing the earlier octagonal Meath Street Chapel.
1858
Church completed The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage dates the completion of the main church building to 1858.
1920
Bell tower added A bell tower was added to the north of the entrance around 1920 by the architectural firm Ashlin and Coleman.
2012
Church severely damaged by fire The Irish Times reported that a fire, deliberately started in the church's nativity crib, caused an explosion that damaged nearly every part of the interior, including windows, the organ and light fittings. The man responsible was found not guilty by reason of insanity.
2013
Church reopens after restoration The Irish Times reported the church reopened to the public on 12 December 2013 after a restoration costing about 4.1 million euro.

J. J. McCarthy (1817-1882) Architect of the original church, 1852-1858 — Credited by the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage as the architect of the present Gothic Revival church.