Overview
St Maur’s Chapel dominates the western edge of Rush’s village green, its pink‑hued stone walls and Gothic tower instantly recognisable from the road. Though the building now houses the Rush Library, the original ecclesiastical form is still evident: a cruciform plan, rib‑vaulted ceilings, a polygonal apse and a square‑profile bell tower added in the 1860s. Visitors can wander the library’s modern walnut interior while still glimpsing the original timber‑panelled doors, leaded stained‑glass windows by Early Bros., and the marble altar that once served the parish congregation.
Architecture & Conservation
The 1903 redesign by George Ashlin – a son‑in‑law of Augustus Pugin – gave the chapel its striking Victorian‑Gothic façade, complete with a new bell tower and polygonal apse. Ashlin’s work respected the original 18th‑century fabric while introducing pointed‑arch windows, sandstone hood mouldings and a terracotta‑tiled porch. When Fingal County Council commissioned McCullough Mulvin Architects to convert the disused church into a library, the team retained the cruciform layout, restored the rib‑vaulted ceiling, re‑leaded the stained‑glass and conserved the original wood‑grained doors. The undulating walnut “plane” that now forms the reading rooms earned the project the 2010 World Architecture Festival award for Best Conservation/Restoration.
History
The site first hosted a modest mass house, but in 1760 Canon Thomas Murphy erected a purpose‑built chapel on Chapel Green. The structure was enlarged in 1851 by Father Andrew Fagan, who lengthened the nave and raised the walls, creating a spacious oblong church that, while functional, lacked architectural distinction.
A turning point arrived in 1898 when Canon Michael O’Hea enlisted the celebrated architect George Ashlin – a son‑in‑law of Augustus Pugin – to redesign the building. Ashlin’s 1903‑era remodel introduced a Victorian‑Gothic façade, a new bell tower and a striking polygonal apse. Decorative elements such as the stained‑glass windows, the marble altar, and the terracotta‑tiled porch were all part of this ambitious renewal, costing just over £5,600 at the time.
The chapel served the Catholic community for more than a century, hosting regular masses and community rites. In the late 20th century the building was deconsecrated and briefly functioned as an arts centre. By 2007 the structure had fallen into disrepair, suffering extensive dry and wet rot. Fingal County Council then commissioned McCullough Mulvin Architects to transform the historic shell into a contemporary library. The project, completed in 2009, won the 2010 World Architecture Festival award for Best Conservation/Restoration. The architects retained the cruciform layout, restored the Gothic ceiling, re‑leaded the windows and conserved the original wood‑grained doors, while inserting an undulating walnut “plane” that now forms the library’s reading rooms.
In 2023 local historian Margaret McCann Moore released a richly illustrated book chronicling the chapel’s evolution from its 18th‑century origins to its present role as a civic hub. The launch took place inside the chapel‑turned‑library, with Fingal Mayor Cllr Ken Farrell presiding, underscoring the building’s continued relevance to Rush’s cultural life.
What to See & Do
- Architectural Details – Look up to the rib‑vaulted ceiling and notice the contrast between the original stonework and the modern walnut insert. The sandstone hood mouldings and pointed‑arch windows retain their 19th‑century elegance.
- Stained‑Glass Windows – Early Bros. crafted the leaded panes that filter soft coloured light into the nave. Their motifs echo traditional Catholic iconography while allowing contemporary visitors to appreciate the craftsmanship.
- Marble Altar & Memorial Plaques – Though the altar no longer serves liturgical functions, its polished surface and surrounding plaques tell stories of past parishioners.
- Terracotta Tiling – The chancel floor’s terracotta tiles survive beneath the library’s flooring, visible through a glass‑covered display that highlights the building’s layered history.
- Community Events – The library hosts author talks, local history exhibitions and occasional musical performances in the former confessional cubicle, now a sound‑proof listening booth.
- Book Launch – If you visit during the autumn months, you may encounter a pop‑up display of Margaret McCann Moore’s book, offering a deeper dive into the chapel’s narrative.
Getting There
Public transport – The nearest bus stop is the Rush Village stop (routes 33 and 33A), a short 3‑minute walk from the entrance. The stop is served regularly from Dublin city centre and surrounding suburbs.
Parking – A free perimeter car park on the village green accommodates visitors arriving by car. Spaces are limited during peak library hours, so early arrival is advisable.
Accessibility – The main entrance is level and the interior has been adapted for wheelchair users. The library also provides free Wi‑Fi for patrons.
Practical Information
St Maur’s Chapel is fully accessible as a public library; the main entrance is level, and the interior has been adapted for wheelchair users. While there is no admission fee, the library operates during standard opening hours (Monday‑Friday 9:00 am‑5:00 pm, Saturday 9:30 am‑1:00 pm; closed on Sundays). For the most up‑to‑date schedule, consult the parish website.
The chapel still functions as a place of worship for special liturgical events. The 2026 Holy Week timetable, for example, lists a Penitential Service on Tuesday, 31 March at 7:30 pm, held in St Maur’s Church. Regular Sunday masses continue during the summer months, typically at 10:00 am and 11:30 am.
| Event | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Penitential Service (Holy Week) | 31 Mar 2026 | 19:30 |
| Sunday Mass (summer) | Weekly | 10:00 & 11:30 |
For enquiries, email rushparishoffice@gmail.com or call the parish office at 01‑8949464.
Nearby Attractions
A short 10‑minute drive north brings you to Ardgillan Castle, a Georgian mansion set in extensive formal gardens, perfect for a family stroll after a visit to the chapel‑library.
St Maur’s Chapel stands as a testament to Rush’s ability to honour its past while embracing contemporary community needs. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a quiet spot to read, the chapel‑library offers a uniquely Irish experience where stone walls whisper centuries of faith, and modern walnut shelves invite you to explore the stories of tomorrow.