Harry Clarke in Fingal

arry Clarke (1889-1931) is deemed to be one of Ireland’s greatest stained-glass artists and is known internationally for his windows and illustrations. The windows designed and created by him are incredible pieces of art. His distinctive style is typified by tall, thin, long necked, elongated figures robed in elaborately patterned and vibrantly coloured clothing. The intricate detail of the pieces he produced is exceptional, extending to all parts of the work with the minutiae of the background sometimes as intriguing as the principal figures being depicted.

Fingal is privileged to have thirty-six windows designed directly by Harry Clarke in church buildings spread across the county. Immaculate Conception St. Mac Culin Angles

Harry Clarke, 1889-1931 These windows are located in the Catholic churches of Balbriggan, Donabate, Lusk, Naul and Oldtown, in the Church of Ireland church in Castleknock. Those that were in the chapel of the former Oblate Father’s residence and school in Belcamp are currently in storage for their protection but will be re-instated once possible to do so. The windows in the other buildings can all be viewed during the hours that the churches are open to the public (some opening hours are limited to times around services).

1924 Balbriggan

1924 Lusk

1924 Oldtown

1924 to 1926 Belcamp

1926 Donabate

1926 Naul

1928 Castleknock St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church (RC) Subject: The Visitation, The Widow’s Son Ordered in Apr 1923, fitted Aug 1924

St. MacCullins Church (RC) Subject: St. MacCullin (Order Book spells it St. Maculuid) & Nine Decorative Chancel Windows with imagery related to crucifixion St. MacCullin window ordered Dec 1923, fitted Nov 1924 Chancel windows ordered Jun 1924, fitted Oct 1924

Our Lady Queen of Peace Church (RC) Current church built in 1964 so it appears windows were relocated from earlier RC Chapel. Oldtown served as chapel of ease for Rolestown (Rowlestown) Subject: Sacred Heart, Blessed Virgin Mary Ordered April 1924, fitted Oct 1924

Former Chapel of Novitiate of the Oblate Fathers Subject: Visitation, Annunciation, Coronation, Finding of Child Jesus in Temple in Chancel ordered in Feb 1923. Fitted July 1924 Rose Windows with “M” for Mary and “J” for Joseph in Side Altars ordered and fitted in 1924 12 Windows of Irish Saints in Nave ordered in Sept 1924. Five fitted in Nov 1925, remainder fitted May 1926 – Saints Kevin, Laurence O’Toole, Eithne & Fidelma, Gobnait, Patrick, Oliver Plunkett, Columba (Colmcille), Doulagh, Dympna, Brigid, Brendan & Malachy

St. Patrick’s Church (RC) Subject: Suffer Little Children Ordered Nov 1925, fitted May 1926

Chapel of the Nativity of Our Lady (RC) Subject: Sacred Heart, Immaculate Conception Ordered Feb 1926, fitted Aug 1926

St. Brigid’s Church (CofI) Subject: Saints George, Hubert and Luke Ordered May 1927, fitted 1928