Monkstown Parish Church

A Glimpse into the History of Monkstown Parish

Monkstown’s spiritual roots stretch back over a thousand years, beginning with the establishment of a monastery by followers of St. Mochonna. Originally linked to Holmpatrick in Skerries, monks are believed to have settled in Monkstown after fleeing Viking raids in 798 AD, founding a religious community where the old graveyard now stands on Carrickbrennan Road.

By the 12th century, the area—then known as Karrachbrenan—came under the stewardship of the Cistercians. The landscape at that time was very different, with rivers carving through hills and flowing into a bay near what is today the Purty Kitchen. Significant changes to the coastline followed the construction of the Dún Laoghaire harbour and Ireland’s first railway.

Monkstown Castle, a landmark built around 1250, became central to the area's history, especially after the dissolution of monasteries during Henry VIII’s reign. The abbey lands were handed to Sir John Travers, whose legacy is still present in the local graveyard.

As time moved forward, the village evolved. St. Mochonna’s Church, once restored for Protestant worship, laid the foundation for future Christian communities. The establishment of a new Catholic parish covering a vast stretch from Seapoint to Three Rock Mountain marked a significant moment, with local Masses even celebrated discreetly within Monkstown Castle.

The arrival of the railway spurred a period of rapid growth. Elegant terraces and grand mansions sprang up, transforming open farmland into a fashionable suburb. Recognizing the growing need for a new place of worship, a site at Broomwood was purchased from the Doherty family, honored today through memorial windows in the church.

Construction of the Church of St. Patrick began in 1861 under Canon Sheridan's vision. Though he did not live to see its completion, George Ashlin’s revised plans ensured a beautiful Gothic Revival structure was realized. Notable milestones followed: the first marriage celebrated between John Ormond and Martha Graham, the first baptism of Thomas Fitzgerald, and the completion of the church’s elegant spire in 1881, generously funded by Mr. P. Madden.

Monkstown Parish gained its independence in 1902 with Fr. Robert Eaton appointed as the first parish priest. Although the parish's boundaries have shifted over time, its heart remains unchanged—a testament to centuries of faith, resilience, and community spirit.

Today, Monkstown Parish continues to flourish, blending its deep historical roots with the vibrant life of a modern community.