Clonsilla and Porterstown Heritage Society

15/10/2026

A lovely cafe too, if you're in the area.

09/10/2026

Fr Michael Dungan (1800 - 1868) was a powerhouse in the wider Blanchardstown area, during his tenure as parish priest (1836-1868).

On his death, there is a fantastic account of his funeral, in The Freeman's Journal. He was carried into St Brigid's Church, Blanchardstown, by his parishioners and laid to rest just in front of the altar. They then commissioned this beautiful stained glass window, in his honour. There used to be a marble plaque to him, since replaced by the plaque below.

Fr Dungan, was definitely a man for getting things done! Arriving in a parish, that comprised Blanchardstown, Castleknock, Cabra, Clonsilla, Mulhuddart, Strawberry Beds and Chapelizod, he had a huge area to minister. Coming out of the seminary in Maynooth (unlike his predecessors who had been educated in Europe), he arrived 7 years after Catholic Emancipation and was one of a new generation of confident and dynamic Catholic priests.

Fr Dungan is probably best known for his part in the establishment of the Old Schoolhouse (aka Clonsilla National School), in 1854. He also built a National School in Mulhuddart. A year after his arrival, St Brigid's Church, Blanchardstown was completed. When the Longford boat tragedy occurred, in 1845, accounts recalled Fr Dungan galloping down to the canal to minister to the dead and injured.

At the time of his death, in 1868, Fr Dungan had spent 32 years ministering, fundraising, building and repairing churches and schools, in the wider Blanchardstown area. Despite his ambitious building programme, he left the parish debt free. He also left his worldly goods, amounting to only IR£12 to the parish. Almost 160 years later, we can still look around Dublin 15 and see his legacy.

Source: "Father Michael Dungan's Blanchardstown, 1836-1868", by Elizabeth Cronin.
Photos: thanks to Jean in St Brigid's Parish, Blanchardstown.

Fingal Heritage Blanchardstown-Castleknock History Society

04/10/2026

Another lovely tour of St Mary's this afternoon, as part of the Fingal Festival of History. This festival, along with Heritage Week, is a great way to raise awareness of Clonsilla's heritage, beyond the immediate area.

A nice mix of locals and those from further afield. It's always lovely to share stories and hear memories, about this lovely church... and have a cuppa together afterwards!

Big thanks to Geraldine, Claire Ann, Angela, Jenny and Christine, who ran today's event!

Thanks also to Rev Colin, who is so supportive of our group.

If you want to be kept informed, about future events, please email [email protected], to be added to our mailing list.

Parish of Castleknock and Mulhuddart with Clonsilla Fingal Libraries Fingal Heritage

28/09/2026

An historic milestone for St Thomas!

Fingal Heritage

After over 150 years of worship in St Thomas’, Mulhuddart yesterday evening we gathered under lights for the first time in the church’s long history following the recent instalment of electricity. Thanks to the Select Vestry and especially our Glebe Warden George who had put a lot of work into making this possible.
The lighting is designed to enhance health and safety while still keeping the ambience we all love about worshiping in St Thomas’.
We will officially celebrate the new electricity at our Harvest Service in St Thomas’ on Sunday 11th October at 3pm.

26/09/2026

Annual blessing of the graves, tomorrow, 27th September at 3pm at St Mary's.

Parish of Castleknock and Mulhuddart with Clonsilla

22/09/2026

Thank you to our friends in the Balbriggan & District Historical Society for attending our festival 🎉

22/09/2026

Thank you Explore Fingal for capturing the memories 🎉