| Mariners' Church | |
| Fullname: | Protestant Episcopal Mariners' Church |
| Location: | Haigh Terrace, Dún Laoghaire |
| Country: | Ireland |
| Denomination: | Church of Ireland |
| Founded Date: | 1836 |
| Consecrated Date: | 25 June 1843 |
| Architect: | Joseph Welland |
| Completed Date: | 1843 |
| Closed Date: | Easter 1972 |
The Mariners' Church is a former Church of Ireland church located in Haigh Terrace, near the centre of Dún Laoghaire town, southeast of Dublin city. It now houses the National Maritime Museum of Ireland.
The church was built by subscription in 1836, in pursuance of a donation of £1,000 for its endowment, for seafarers as the "Protestant Episcopal Mariners' Church at Kingstown Harbour".[1] Due to the increasing importance of Kingstown (as the town was then known) and its harbour, it was considered necessary to have a Church to look after the spiritual needs of officers and sailors. The church, designed by the architect Joseph Welland (1798–1860), was consecrated on 25 June 1843. This initial building consisted of just the nave and transepts. Richard Brooke, the first chaplain, described it as "large and gaunt and lofty and ugly a satire on taste, a libel of all ecclesiastical rule, mocking at proportion and symmetry".[2] From 1862 until 1867, the building was improved by the addition of the spire and lancet windows. The spire, designed by Raffles Browne, was added in 1865.[3] The chancel was added in 1884. It was then the principal Church of Ireland church in the town. It depended for its upkeep to a large extent on voluntary subscriptions, donations, bequests and the results of fund-raising efforts.
Much needed renovations were carried out in 1870, after several fund-raising efforts by the parishioners. However, further work was needed by 1884, to be carried out by Bolton of Rathmines under the direction of architect Thomas Drew (1838–1910). During this work, an accident occurred on 10 September. Scaffolding collapsed when two men were plastering the ceiling, 50feet above ground. One, Hemp, died soon afterwards; the other was seriously injured. The church re-opened on 14 October 1884.[4] In the mid-20th century, the congregation dwindled, and the church closed for worship at Easter 1972.
Shortly after the church closed, the Maritime Institute of Ireland showed an interest in acquiring the church for use as a museum. In 1974 a lease was signed between Church of Ireland officials and the Maritime Institute. The National Maritime Museum of Ireland was opened by President Patrick Hillery in 1978. In 2007 the Institute bought the building. Renovations were completed in 2011 which included improvements to the roof, interior, and electrical systems.