St. Andrew's Church, Dublin

Although comparatively "young" in comparison to some of Dublin's older churches, this one on Westland Row has left its mark on the city's Catholic history. Constructed in the 1830s in the Classical Roman Baroque style, favored by Catholics over the Gothic Brava style, it has a Doric portico with twin columns and an octagonal bell tower topped with a verdant copper covering. On the rooftop is a statue of Saint Andrew, crafted by John Smyth (1776-1840), son of the esteemed sculptor Edward Smyth, known for his work on the Riverine heads at the Custom House.

Step inside, and you'll be greeted by a serene interior characterized by clear walls and intricate white relief work. The central domed ceiling is delicately painted in shades of peach and terracotta, while the gallery over the entrance houses an organ crafted by John White in 1872. Originally containing numerous ranks of orchestral Cavaille-Coll pipework, the organ underwent a significant overhaul in 1976, losing many of its original features in favor of more neo-classical stops. Meanwhile, a poignant painting depicting the Martyrdom of Thomas Beckett graces the wall of the South Transept.

The church's history is intertwined with the struggle of Catholics in Ireland. The enactment of the Penal Laws in 1603 barred Catholics from public worship until their repeal in 1829, forcing them to worship in clandestine "chapels of fortune". In 1832, tragedy struck when a chimney stack collapsed through the roof of one such chapel on Townsend Street, causing casualties. This event garnered sympathy from the wider community, leading the City Council to grant permission for the construction of a proper church. Plans to build it on Townsend Street were abandoned in favor of the land offered on Westland Row.

The Feast of Saint Andrew, celebrated annually on December 4th, is a cherished tradition at the church. The day begins with a special Mass, followed by a lunch and concludes with a raffle, bringing the community together in celebration.