Chapel of the Sacred Heart (Harry Clarke Stained Glass Windows), Dingle
The Chapel of the Sacred Heart is a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture. Built in 1886 as an extension to Saint Mary's Catholic Church on Green Street, the chapel was specifically constructed for the enclosed order of Presentation Sisters. The original design by architect C. J. McCarthy featured a short and narrow nave flanked by choir stalls, leading to an altar adorned with three magnificent stained glass bay windows.
In the early 1920s, the chapel underwent a significant refurbishment under the supervision of Mother Superior Ita Macken. Seeking to enhance the chapel's beauty, Macken enlisted the expertise of Irish architect and architectural historian Rudolf M. Butler. With Butler's guidance, Macken commissioned the renowned Irish artist Harry Clarke to create six double lancet stained glass windows for the chapel.
Completed and installed in 1924, these stained glass windows became the centerpiece of the chapel. Positioned on either side of the nave, the three colorful and intricately detailed windows on each side depict scenes from the life of Christ. Harry Clarke, a prominent figure in the Arts and Crafts movement, was paid a substantial fee of £1,000 for his masterful work. Today, these windows are a major draw for visitors to the chapel, as Clarke's artistry and craftsmanship continue to captivate viewers.
Currently, the chapel is under the ownership of the Díseart Centre of Irish Spirituality and Culture. The altar and reredos of the chapel, dedicated to the Sacred Heart, were designed by architect Rudolf M. Butler and sculpted by George Smith. The sanctuary, lined with Italian marble tiles, features twenty-four panels adorned with symbols of the Presentation Order, such as an oak tree, as well as representations of a Celtic cross and various symbols associated with Jesus' crucifixion, including a crown of thorns, sponge, and nails.
Within the chapel, choir stalls and stations of the cross line the sides of the short and narrow nave, creating a solemn and contemplative atmosphere. The choir arches, constructed from Spanish oak, add a touch of elegance and craftsmanship to the space, complementing the overall aesthetic of the chapel.
The chapel is open for worship at 12 noon on Sundays except the first Sunday of the month.
In the early 1920s, the chapel underwent a significant refurbishment under the supervision of Mother Superior Ita Macken. Seeking to enhance the chapel's beauty, Macken enlisted the expertise of Irish architect and architectural historian Rudolf M. Butler. With Butler's guidance, Macken commissioned the renowned Irish artist Harry Clarke to create six double lancet stained glass windows for the chapel.
Completed and installed in 1924, these stained glass windows became the centerpiece of the chapel. Positioned on either side of the nave, the three colorful and intricately detailed windows on each side depict scenes from the life of Christ. Harry Clarke, a prominent figure in the Arts and Crafts movement, was paid a substantial fee of £1,000 for his masterful work. Today, these windows are a major draw for visitors to the chapel, as Clarke's artistry and craftsmanship continue to captivate viewers.
Currently, the chapel is under the ownership of the Díseart Centre of Irish Spirituality and Culture. The altar and reredos of the chapel, dedicated to the Sacred Heart, were designed by architect Rudolf M. Butler and sculpted by George Smith. The sanctuary, lined with Italian marble tiles, features twenty-four panels adorned with symbols of the Presentation Order, such as an oak tree, as well as representations of a Celtic cross and various symbols associated with Jesus' crucifixion, including a crown of thorns, sponge, and nails.
Within the chapel, choir stalls and stations of the cross line the sides of the short and narrow nave, creating a solemn and contemplative atmosphere. The choir arches, constructed from Spanish oak, add a touch of elegance and craftsmanship to the space, complementing the overall aesthetic of the chapel.
The chapel is open for worship at 12 noon on Sundays except the first Sunday of the month.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Dingle. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Chapel of the Sacred Heart (Harry Clarke Stained Glass Windows) on Map
Sight Name: Chapel of the Sacred Heart (Harry Clarke Stained Glass Windows)
Sight Location: Dingle, Ireland (See walking tours in Dingle)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Dingle, Ireland (See walking tours in Dingle)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Dingle, Ireland
Create Your Own Walk in Dingle
Creating your own self-guided walk in Dingle is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Dingle Introduction Walking Tour
The world is full of charismatic locations patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper. One such charming spot waiting to be discovered is the port town of Dingle, in County Kerry, on the southwest coast of Ireland.
The Dingle area was originally inhabited by a Celtic tribe called Corcu Duibne. During the medieval period, in the late 12th century, Dingle became an important trading port,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
The Dingle area was originally inhabited by a Celtic tribe called Corcu Duibne. During the medieval period, in the late 12th century, Dingle became an important trading port,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Dingle Pub Crawl
Just as anywhere else on the “Emerald Island” (that's Ireland), pub culture in Dingle is an integral part of the town's social fabric and a major draw for residents and visitors. Dingle's pubs are lively meeting hubs where friends and neighbors catch up, and tourists mingle with locals, whilst sipping their drink.
Spots like An Droichead Beag Bar and O'Sullivan's... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Spots like An Droichead Beag Bar and O'Sullivan's... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles