A grand edifice rises before you. This is Holy Cross College also known as Clonliffe College. Its story is deeply intertwined with the history of the Catholic Church in Ireland.
Holy Cross College was established in 1854. Archbishop Paul Cullen founded it. He sought to provide priests for the Archdiocese of Dublin. Cullen later became Cardinal Cullen in 1866.
Look at the building’s architecture. James Joseph McCarthy designed it. The quadrangular former seminary was built between 1860 and 1861. It now serves as the administrative headquarters for the Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin.
Notice the east range. It is the main block. It faces east and features twenty-three bays. The building has three stories over a raised basement. A central three-bay entrance breakfront adds to its grandeur. This breakfront has a pediment with a cross finial. A prostyle tetrastyle portico fronts the entrance bay.
The college played a significant role in Irish education. After 1879, it became part of the reconstituted Catholic University of Ireland. Students sat exams for the Royal University. Though the Royal University couldn’t award theology degrees, the Catholic University could. Between 1881 and 1908 eighty-one Clonliffe students earned BA degrees from the Royal University of Ireland.
From 1908 Clonliffe seminarians also studied at University College Dublin. They journeyed between Clonliffe and Earlsfort Terrace. In 1965, Holy Cross College gained the power to confer degrees from the Angelicum University of Rome.
For years two students from the Vincentian order studied here. This allowed them to gain a degree from UCD. There was a strong relationship between the Diocesan College and the Vincentians. Some Vincentian priests lectured at Holy Cross College.
In 1977, Clonliffe offered a National Diploma in Philosophical Studies. Maynooth University later validated diplomas and certificates conducted at Clonliffe.
However in 2001 seminary duties were suspended. Students training for priesthood were transferred to St Patrick’s College Maynooth.
Holy Cross College is located near Archbishop’s House and Croke Park Stadium. It served as the administrative headquarters for the Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin. It was a venue for retreats conferences meetings and courses.
In 2018, the Archdiocese announced the college’s closure. It was sold to the GAA. The sale aimed to create housing sports facilities and commercial opportunities. The college officially closed in May 2019.
The Ukrainian Church in Ireland of Bishop Nicholas the Miracle Worker holds services here. In 2022, the Archdiocese offered the college buildings to house refugees from Ukraine. Many items from the college were auctioned to make space for them.
Holy Cross College once housed the archives of the Dublin Diocese. These included documents from Daniel O’Connell’s Catholic Association and Repeal Association. The college participated in Culture Night 2013 showcasing its archives and artwork.
Paul Cardinal Cullen the college’s founder was buried here. Following the property’s sale his body was reinterred in St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral in 2021. Many notable figures were associated with Clonliffe College. These include Archbishops Dermot Ryan Diarmuid Martin and Cardinal Archbishop Desmond Connell.
Holy Cross College stands as a testament to the enduring influence of the Catholic Church in Dublin. Its classical design and rich history make it a significant landmark. The college has played a vital role in education religious life and the community.