Before us stands Our Lady of the Rosary Church. It is more than just a building. It is a landmark with a rich history.
Our Lady of the Rosary Church began as part of something larger. Harold’s Cross was originally part of St Nicholas Without parish. Later, it became part of Rathmines parish in 1823. Finally, in 1935, Harold’s Cross became its own parish.
The Archbishop of Dublin, Most Rev. Edward Byrne D.D. played a key role. He saw the potential of Mount Harold House. When the house and grounds were for sale he acted. He instructed Canon Fleming to purchase the land in 1931.
Our Lady of the Rosary Church was built in 1938. It was constructed on the grounds of Mount Harold House. Interestingly, the ground floor of the original house still exists. Today, it serves as the Pastoral Centre.
Harold’s Cross has older roots than Our Lady of the Rosary Church. The area dates back to the 10th century AD. Legend says a village grew on a battlefield site. This became Harold’s Cross.
The name Harold’s Cross has an interesting origin. F.E. Ball wrote about it in his History of County Dublin. A cross was erected to mark the Archbishop’s land. It warned the Harold family of Rathfarnham to not encroach.
Harold’s Cross was once a popular retreat. People came from Dublin seeking better health. They stayed in lodgings here. Its higher position relative to Dublin was valued.
In 1594, Walter Reagh Fitzgerald raided and burned Harold’s Cross. Robert Emmet hid here after his 1798 rising failed. He hid in what is now Emmet Street.
Before Our Lady of the Rosary Church, the land was different. In the 16th century, the Earl of Meath and the Archbishop of Dublin held most of it. The Green was a common area. The Archbishop even had gallows there.
Two rivers once flowed through Harold’s Cross. The Poddle ran along Kimmage Road. The Swan followed a path toward Leinster Road. These rivers powered mills for paper, flour, and corn.
Later, large houses were built around the green. Many included “Mount” in their names. These reflected the area’s high position. Mount Argus, Mount Jerome, and Mount Harold were among them. Our Lady of the Rosary Church stands on the site of Mount Harold.
Mount Jerome Cemetery has a unique history. It opened in 1836 as a Protestant cemetery. Later, it accepted all religions.
Mount Argus became a Passionist monastery in 1856. The Passionist Order bought it to establish a base in Dublin.
Our Lady of the Rosary Church stands as a testament to faith and community. It rose from historic roots. It evolved from a house and land purchase. Today, it is a vibrant parish church. It continues to serve the people of Harold’s Cross.