Once upon a time Clontarf and Coolock were part of the same extensive parish. This union spanned from 1618 until the mid-19th century. Today we stand at the crossroads of history. We’re about to delve into the story of Clontarf & Coolock Parish. It’s a tale of faith, battles, and the evolution of a community.
Clontarf is renowned for the Battle of Clontarf in 1014. Brian Boru defeated the Vikings here. The name Clontarf means “Plain of the Bull”. This refers to the bellowing sound of the sea.
The first church in Clontarf was founded around 550 by St. Comgall. He was the great abbot of Bangor. His evangelical efforts reached from Fingal to Swords and Sutton. Initially St. Comgall was Clontarf’s patron saint. Later the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem replaced him with St. John the Baptist.
After the Norman invasion, Adam de Pheope erected Clontarf Castle. Later Henry II established a priory of the Knights Templar there. In 1307 the property passed to the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem. Their Irish headquarters were in Kilmainham.
In 1534 Archbishop John Allen sought refuge at Artane Castle. He was murdered there by followers of Silken Thomas. This event allowed King Henry VIII to seize Church property.
To address disruptions caused by the Reformation, Archbishop Eugene M’Mahon amalgamated several parishes in 1618. These included Clontarf, Raheny, Coolock, and others. Rev. James Drake became the first parish priest. He resided in Artane under the protection of the Holywoods.
In 1641 rebel activity occurred in Clontarf, Raheny, and Killbarrack. Sir Charles Coote burned the village of Clontarf to strike terror into the people. Oliver Cromwell gave the district to John Vernon.
In 1714 some people were fined for attending Mass in a house in Kilmore, Artane. Christopher Saver of Clontarf was among those penalized.
The construction of the North Bull Wall from Clontarf between 1820 and 1823 improved Dublin’s port facilities. A lead mine was discovered in Clontarf in 1756. Fishing was a major activity. The oyster beds of Clontarf were notable in the 18th century.
Around 1820 Dollymount was built. By 1839 it had given its name to the area. In 1837 Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness purchased Thornhill estate. He renamed it St. Annes.
The Dublin and Drogheda Railway in 1844 increased Clontarf’s population. The horse-tram service in 1880 further encouraged settlement. This service was electrified in 1898.
The increased population demanded more religious facilities. In 1805 a chapel opened in Clontarf. It was replaced in 1835 by the Church of St. John The Baptist. From this time, the parish was designated as Clontarf. In 1879 Fairview, Donnycarney, and other districts formed the parish of Fairview. In 1909 Coolock, Killester, and other areas formed the parish of Coolock. Clontarf became a distinct parish again.
Other denominations also catered to the growing population. The old Protestant Church was replaced in 1866 by the Church of St. John the Baptist on Seafield Road. In 1890 Clontarf Presbyterian Church opened. In 1906 Clontarf Methodist Church was built.
The Sisters of the Holy Faith established their Convent and School of Our Lady Star of the Sea in 1890. This was adjacent to St. John’s Church.
Clontarf had political excitement in 1843 with Daniel O’Connell’s proposed monster meeting. In the days of the Fenians, Kingscourt Mansion was used as a refuge for informers.
In 1900 Clontarf was incorporated into the City of Dublin. In 1927 the old town hall of Clontarf was adapted as the Church of St. Anthony. In 1931 the Dublin Port and Docks Board began a reclamation scheme.
In 1939 the Guinness’ estate of St. Annes was acquired by the Dublin Corporation. It was utilized for housing, nurseries, and recreational purposes.
In 1953 St. Gabriels Church was built. In 1966 Clontarf was divided into the three parishes of St. Johns, St. Anthonys, and St. Gabriels.
Clontarf & Coolock Parish is a story of resilience and change. It’s a testament to the enduring power of community and faith. As we leave this place, consider how the past shapes our present. How will we contribute to the chronicles of the future?