College Chapel Restored The College Chapel at Maynooth is one of the finest examples of NeoGothic architecture in the country. It was designed by JJ McCarthy, a pupil of the well-known architect Augustus Welby Pugin who designed Saint Mary’s Quadrangle on campus and the Houses of Parliament. Built between 1875 and 1891, the College Chapel is reputed to be the largest stalled chapel in the world. The Chapel has recently undergone its first major renovation. At a cost of circa €10m, the project was completed over a period of 14 years. It involved the total replacement of the roof, rewiring the building and the restoration of the five side chapels around the main altar. The stone roofs had to be removed from these side chapels and a semi permeable membrane inserted to resist the dampness and then the stone roofs were rebuilt. Finally the richly ornamented interior, artwork and carvings were fully restored. The rebuilding of the organ is the only remaining project, and will cost about €750,000. The major works were completed in time for the first visit of Cardinal Sean Brady back to his Alma Mater at Maynooth following his elevation to the College of Cardinals in November 2007.
The organ, enclosed in a gothic-style case which is situated at the back of the west gallery. 12
MAYNOOTH ALUMNI MAGAZINE
A view of the main altar in the College Chapel.