Sunlight streams through the large south-facing windows of the Rathfarnham Meeting House. This peaceful building stands on land gifted by the Lamb Brothers. They were Quaker jam manufacturers you know. Their fruit farm once occupied this very spot.
The Rathfarnham Meeting House isn’t just a building. It’s a living testament to the Quaker community in Dublin. Built sometime between 1960 and 1970 it’s a fine example of mid-twentieth-century design. Its clean lines and functional layout reflect the Quaker values of simplicity and practicality. The concrete frame rendered walls and large gable window are striking features. The building’s design promotes a sense of calm and quiet reflection.
Every Sunday at 10:30 am the doors of the Rathfarnham Meeting House open for worship. Visitors are always welcome. The large meeting room overlooks a spacious lawn. Trees border the lawn creating a tranquil atmosphere. This is more than just a place of worship though. A badminton hall adjoins the meeting house. It is used for Quaker activities and is also rented to local groups.
The Rathfarnham Meeting House is not just for adults either. A Junior Meeting for children takes place on the fourth Sunday of each month. Children join the main meeting for the last ten minutes. The Junior Meeting covers a wide range of topics. These include Biblical and Quaker teachings as well as social and environmental issues. Other Sundays children are welcome. Their parents are asked to stay with them. The Junior Meeting cupboard provides many resources for kids to keep them occupied.
The Rathfarnham Meeting House maintains a library. It’s for the use of its members and regular attenders. This quiet sanctuary also celebrated its 50th anniversary in January 2007. Children interviewed original members. They compiled these interviews into a scrapbook a lasting tribute to the community’s history. The Rathfarnham Meeting House is part of the Dublin Monthly Meeting. It shows a strong connection to a larger Quaker network. Easy to reach by bus or car it’s a hub of activity and spiritual growth. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of the Quaker faith. It’s a significant part of Rathfarnham’s rich history.