Church of the Holy Child

Is it a church or a cathedral? The Church of the Holy Child often sparks this question, standing proudly with its soaring belfry reaching 100 feet towards the sky. Don’t let the red brick exterior and granite dressings fool you, this is a church, but its grandeur speaks volumes about its importance to the community. The Church of the Holy Child wasn’t always this architectural gem. Before its consecration in 1957 by Archbishop McQuaid, the parish made do with a humble “Tin Church” on Larkhill Green. This temporary structure, a testament to their faith, served them well until this permanent tribute, with a capacity of over 1750 people, took its place. Step inside the Church of the Holy Child and be greeted by a bright and airy interior. The high nave arcades, adorned with pale fawn marble columns, draw your eyes upwards to the impressive semi-domed ceiling. It’s a symphony of architectural elegance and a far cry from its humble beginnings. But there’s more to this story than bricks and mortar. Look closely and you’ll find a large painting of the Last Supper by Tom Roche, a modern masterpiece gracing the space above the main altar. The Church of the Holy Child is more than just a place of worship, it’s a symbol of resilience, a testament to the enduring spirit of faith, and a beacon of beauty in the heart of Dublin.