“A suitable place for elderly ladies of the Protestant faith to live.” That was the vision of Miss Elizabeth Mageough. It led to the creation of the Mageough Home. The Mageough Chapel is at the heart of this home.
The Mageough Home and its chapel stand on Cowper Road in Rathmines. It is a 19th-century retirement home. Miss Elizabeth Mageough, who died in 1869, bequeathed much of her money. It was to fund this haven for elderly Protestant women.
James Rawson Carroll designed the home. The land was purchased from William Cowper-Temple. Interestingly, the site had a grim past. It was known as “The Bloody Fields”. Two thousand Catholic and Royalist troops were killed there. Roundheads buried them during the Irish Confederate Wars. Despite this history, the Mageough Home rose as a symbol of peace and care.
The first residents moved in November 1878. They had to be “of good character and sobriety”. The complex includes 36 small homes today. The architectural style is Victorian Gothic Revival. The houses, chapel, and infirmary surround a central green. All are protected structures.
The Mageough Chapel itself is a Church of Ireland chapel. It was consecrated by Archbishop Richard Chenevix Trench on opening day. This was November 28, 1878. The chapel wasn’t initially planned. But it became a central feature, like a Cambridge college court.
The chapel has a north/south axis due to the site’s layout. This is unlike the traditional east/west liturgical axis. A plaque inside remembers Elizabeth Mageough’s legacy.
Many have served as chaplains over the years. The present chaplain is the Revd Robert Kingston. He conducts services on Sundays and Wednesdays.
Elizabeth Mageough lived at Richview. It was at 1 Cowper Road. Her will revealed her wealth. The “residue” of her estate is worth millions today. It was for the “habitation, support and clothing of aged females”.
James Rawson Carroll, the architect, had other notable works. These include Classiebawn Castle and the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital. He faced challenges in designing the Mageough. There were disagreements about costs. Eventually, a quote of £16,770 was accepted.
The Mageough Home has seen highs and lows. It has struggled to survive at times. In recent decades, it has returned to its former glory. It offers comfortable housing and a sense of community. Residents can live independently in a sheltered environment. The Mageough Chapel is more than just a building. It is a symbol of faith, community, and care. It continues to serve as a spiritual heart for the residents of the Mageough Home.