About Us - St Patrick's Church Dalkey

We are delighted that you have dropped into our webpage. St Patrick’s Church is a Church of Ireland (Anglican) parish in the beautiful seaside town of Dalkey, near Dublin.

Whether you are looking at the website for a quick visit or searching for something a little longer lasting, you are very welcome.

We offer a range of liturgical services and pastoral care. We aim to be true to the Christian message, relevant to the community in which we live and available to all who seek.

We are an active parish socially, liturgically and ecumenically seeking to be relevant to all ages. From concerts and being supportive to charities to the likes of teddy bear and Blue Christmas services as well as regular Holy Communion and Morning Prayer, working with other denominations when possible.

I joined the parish as Rector in March 2023. Since my arrival into this warm and vibrant community I have enjoyed being part of the parish and the town.

This is a vibrant place to live with a varied population. Often on the tourist trail for “star” hunting tourists as well as the opportunity to be contemplated by seals in Bullock harbour or watch the boats come in and out of Coliemore harbour.

Old buildings and castles, beautiful old houses and more modern places. Those who tell multigenerational stories from their local family history and others like myself who are lucky to be exploring for the first time.

In all of this stands our church, St. Patrick’s. Testament to service past present and (hopefully) future.

Rev Ruth Elmes
The Rectory, Church Rd, Dalkey
Phone:

View of the church circa 1860 courtesy of Lawrence Stereo Collection,
National Photographic Archive.

History of the Parish

Since 1843, St. Patrick’s Church has dominated the granite outcrop above Bulloch Harbour, a great landmark in the surrounding area. The site of about an acre now includes a fine Rectory (1866), which stands in the quarry from which the stone for the church was taken, a handsome granite Sexton’s Lodge and School (both 1870), and a Parochial Hall (1883).

All these buildings have been extended and improved over the years. There is a fascinating history of the building and development of the church, the rectory, lodge and school by the late Harry Latham, parishioner and local historian, updated by our Glebe Warden Brian Meyer, to download here .

Dowload PDF

St Patrick’s National School

Our school sits just next to the church. It is co-educational with a teaching principal and three class teachers, 102 pupils, two special needs assistants, a shared learning support teacher and a resource teacher.

We endeavour to create a happy, safe and well-functioning environment, which promotes the dignity and individuality of every pupil, enabling them to reach their full potential.

We aim to educate the whole child in a Christian atmosphere in partnership with parents/guardians and the wider community. You can find more information about the school and its history on the School Website

Memorial Garden

The Memorial Garden in front of the church was designed and laid out in 2003 and is a lovely peaceful place to sit and remember your loved ones whose ashes may be interred there.

Support the Parish

The work of this Parish is made possible entirely through your support. It is only through your generosity that the Church can fully provide for the whole community in our spirit of welcome and service. We have a variety of sources of income that go towards running the church and Northover Hall.

You can give money by a monthly standing order or through envelopes or plate collection or donate via the button below. Our annual church fete, quiz and other social events also raise funds.

We welcome contributions of time and talents as well as money. If you feel you could help and would like to get involved in some way please contact the Rector or a member of the Select Vestry.

We invite you to make a donation to support and contribute to the mission and ministry of the Church and our work across the community. Please give what you can. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Donate

Safeguarding

We follow the HSE guidelines for the safeguarding of vulnerable adults and the Church of Ireland’s safeguarding policies for the protection of vulnerable children. We seek to assess and reduce health & safety risks and keep all safe while on the premises or while engaged in parish activities.

Members of the Select Vestry have regular online training sessions with the Church of Ireland Safeguarding Trust, complete annual online safeguarding returns and undergo audits. Notices displayed in prominent places give the names and contact details of our Panel members.

Holy Baptism

If you would like to have your child baptised at St Patrick’s please contact the Rector. Baptisms are usually part of our regular 10.15 a.m. Sunday morning service, although in exceptional circumstances the Rector is happy to facilitate baptism outside normal service times.

Confirmation

Confirmation classes will be offered soon and we encourage potential candidates to sign up.

Marriage

Couples wishing to get married in St Patrick’s should contact the Rector to agree a date and to discuss the procedures, permissions, notice period and documentation required.

Funerals

If you would like to arrange a funeral please contact the Rector by email rev.ruth.elmes@gmail.com or 01 284 5941

Eco-Congregation Ireland (ECI)

The Parish has become a member of the ECO congregation organisation which encourages churches of all denominations to take an eco approach to worship, lifestyle, property and finance management, community outreach and contact with the developing world. We will be mentored / advised by Killiney parish who have been members for some time. The school has an ecological representative in each classroom and facilities for school pupils to plant in the Rectory have been provided.

Links

Church of Ireland