Arbour Hill Church
The Church of the Sacred Heart, Arbour Hill, Dublin 7 was given the title "Church of the Defence Forces" in 1997, with the closure of Collins Barracks, which is located directly across the road from the Church. Historically the location is of major significance, since in the grounds of the Church are buried the remains of Pearse, Connolly and others who died in the Easter Rising of 1916.
The Church of the Sacred Heart forms part of a tripartite façade - known as Arbour Hill Prison. The church is linked to the main entrance of the prison by screen walls, which extend to the Governors House on the far side. This complex of buildings was designed by Jacob Owen in 1835 and later rebuilt by Joshua Webb in 1845. Work on the buildings was completed in 1848.
The church has an elaborate cruciform interior and a stained glass window by the Harry Clarke Studios behind the altar. It has an unusual entrance porch with stairs leading to twin galleries for visitors at the nave and transept. This feature is copied from the National Scotch Church, Bow St, London designed by Robert Wallace. Also an unusual feature is the Celtic round tower which erupts from a rectangular base.
Much internal work was carried out on the Church in 1922 after it was handed over to the Free State. Stations of the Cross, a Communion rail and organ were all installed during the renovations. Most Rev Dr. Byrne, Archbishop of Dublin, solemnly consecrated the church on 13th March 1927.
The Church has been used for national ceremonial events since 1927. One of the most notable of these ceremonies was the lying instate of Roger Casement in 1965. Thousands of people filed passed the remains that were repatriated from Britain where they had been interred for fifty years.
Weddings, Baptisms and Funerals liturgies are conducted by the Head Chaplain at Arbour Hill. Sunday Mass and on Holy Days is open to all.
Cedar Room
The Cedar Room was developed in 2003 as a means of marking the memory of soldiers who had died in Lebanon. The central painting in the room is a picture of a foot-patrol leaving Post 6-9B to check the road for mines or improvised explosives. near the painting is a candle on which is inscribed the names of the deceased.
The Book of Remembrace with names and details of the deceases is located near the window. At the rear of the room is a cross made from 120mm shrapnel. A UN beret on the window sill reminds each recruit, cadet, soldier and civilian of the high price paid by their colleagues in the cause of peace.
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