Welcome to the Margaret Aylward Centre for Faith and Dialogue, named in honour of Margaret Aylward, the founder of the Holy Faith Sisters; in whose grounds the centre sits.
I'm not a poet, though Glasnevin might make one a poet.
Margaret Aylward
This is an extraordinary building. It takes us all by surprise.
It is a wonderful example of contemporary creativity in building and style and yet it is surrounded by so many symbols of Dublin life, past and present.
Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, Blessing of the Centre, 2014
It (the Margaret Aylward centre) is like a new frame within which and through which we see Dublin differently. The building and Dublin life come together into a type of contemporary fusion which challenges our set patterns and leads to reflection. It is a space where we are challenged to reflect anew, but not to flee from the realities that surround us.
Archbishop Martin, 2014
We are grateful to our architect, Ralph Bingham and his assistant architect, Kieran Fitzgerald, of MOLA Architecture for capturing our vision and translating it into a stunning building; to Glenbeigh Construction and to Mr Mark Johnston, project manager with W.K. Nowlan, for delivering the building with great efficiency.
Design – Ralph Bingham, MOLA Architecture: We were particularly conscious of the vistas and views from the site and the pristine green lawn and yew walk in front of Glasnevin House. We wanted the new Centre to sit and float above this fabulous green carpet. It was also our intention that the new building should sit as a pavilion or folly within its classical setting and should appear weightless as an object building. We decided to use opaque glass panels to mirror its glorious surroundings. The external skin will thus reflect the trees, sky, lawn and convent buildings around it.
The plan of the centre represents a journey of discovery, a spiral and labyrinth. It is formed from a series of axial circulation routes which are geometrically formed to contain space. These spaces operate as a theatre, a sacred space, a multi- purpose space and a series of small office-size rooms, all linked and interlocked with ramps and steps.
The main stairs that rises up to the sacred space is on axis with Mitchell’s Cedar tree. The steps down to the theatre space are in line with the O’Connell tower and tree tops of Glasnevin cemetery. The view from the large curved window in the first floor sacred space acts as a lens over the city skyline. A large roof terrace provides a breakout area from the sacred space and as a further place of contemplation.
The exterior of the building is contemporary with a neutral colour palette of greys and whites the interior comprises natural materials of timber wall linings, stone and oak flooring.
Amidst the hectic pace and common pressures of everyday life, it is revitalizing to carve out moments for solitude and serenity. We extend a warm invitation to visit our center and indulge in the tranquility of our Sacred Space. There, you can find nourishment through silence, reading, and reflection, all amidst the splendid backdrop of nature's abundant beauty.
Of the spiritual nature of our grounds in Glasnevin our foundress Margaret Aylward says: ‘Nature seems indeed to rest here and contemplate her God in quiet seclusion; and in her silent way invites the soul to lift herself to Him that made her.’
Click HERE to download a booklet with historical and botanic information
Click HERE to download a booklet with a reflective walk in the grounds
As this is a private grounds, please do call ahead to ensure access, and please sign in at the centre on arriving and leaving the site for insurance reasons. Unfortunately no dogs can be permitted on site for safety and bio-diversity reasons.
Opened in February 2014, this contemporary building, set in beautiful surroundings in north Dublin, is framed by old trees and a quiet walkway. The site is steeped in rich history and has a long association with the spiritual life, from St Mobhi in the 6th century up to today. Several religious orders and even a Bishop and his family called this place home! Now we are delighted to welcome you too into its beauty. Be inspired and nourished in this welcoming space where people of all faiths and none can immerse themselves in stillness and dialogue. #cityoasis.
Margaret Aylward, a Waterford woman, founded the congregation in Dublin in 1867 following many years of serving children in distress. This work was formalised in 1857 in St Brigid’s Orphanage – never a residential facility but a system of placing children with families in long-term fosterage. The need to provide school education for poor children saw the beginning of the network of Holy Faith schools. In these works, Miss Aylward was assisted by Fr John Gowan, a Vincentian priest based in Phibsborough, Dublin. The sisters first came to Glasnevin in 1865.
We are a religious congregation of Roman Catholic women living and working in four continents. Our purpose is to proclaim by word and action the love and truth of Jesus to the people of our day and to collaborate in creating a just world. Our consecration to God is expressed in the three vows we take at our profession, but living the vows is a daily commitment. We pray together, live together, love and laugh together. Relating to one another in love is at the heart of our life in community and we are in community for the mission entrusted to us. For more see holyfaithsisters.org
Many people ask about the vibrant wall hanging in our Events Room downstairs.
It was commissioned by the centre, especially for this space and arrived on June 5, 2015.
Daiva Stasiukynaite was invited to create this unique piece. We wanted colour; a piece that would inspire and draw us into beauty, silence and contemplation. This, and more, is what Daiva has achieved.
Daiva is a Lithuania-born, Irish-based textile designer, who loves natural fibres and works under Daiva’s Textiles brand producing local and quality wearable and fine art textiles. Her work reflects her love of art and inspiration drawn from nature distinguished by brushstrokes and watercolour-like signature. She spent many months designing and creating the beautiful wall hanging for our Events Space.
It is timely that the piece was ready for the first week in June, the month of vibrancy and colour.
Let me, O let me bathe my soul in colours; let me swallow the sunset and drink the rainbow.
The Margaret Aylward Centre is a community of sisters and friends who work together to create a welcoming space and an inspirational program of events for those who join us.
Our Director is Dympna Mallon.
Dympna has been active in social justice and pastoral issues for more than 20 years. She is passionate about the importance of dialogue and communication, promoting the dignity of each person and caring for our common home.
Our Office Manager is Geraldine Farrell.
Geraldine has worked for the Holy Faith Sisters for 15 years, supporting the General Team and the Margaret Aylward Centre.
Our Support Worker is Brenda Farrell.
Brenda has been involved with the Centre for several years. As Support Worker, she contributes to the Centre's work and activities, particularly through her knowledge of and expertise on Care for Creation and Eco-spirituality.
Our Team of Volunteers
The Margaret Aylward centre relies on a team of volunteers – normally about 6 -8 people – who welcome visitors and help create hospitable spaces.
All unattributed photographs on the site are by MOLA architecture, Donal Murphy, Ben O'Farrell and/or team members.
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Click on the link below to view some of the events coming up this Autumn at the Margaret Aylward Centre. 2024 Spring – Summer Brochure You can book here on our website – or call us on 01 7979364 or email info@macfd.ie
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"Sometimes I need only stand wherever I am to be blessed."
Mary Oliver
