4 Religious Houses of Worship in Dublin

When catastrophes occur, in regards to religion, people are of two minds. In the times of Covid, religion has been a pillar of stability for many individuals. Some may see this as a sign to return to faith, others turn away. For the ones that believe, after all, this is a list of 4 religious houses for worship in Dublin.

Like the rest of the world, Ireland is learning how to live with COVID-19. Dublin is in level 3 so it means there are restrictions for religion too. Religious services have moved online and places of worship remain open for private prayer. Also, no more than 25 people can attend funerals for now.

In this article, we will talk about the 4 main different religions and where you can go for a prayer or where to do it online just from home. Keep reading!

St. Saviour’s Dominican Priory

St. Saviour Dominican Priory is a church in Dublin city center that caters to multiple nationalities. Close to Parnell Street, it sees large numbers of Polish faithful attending Mass and services every week, along with Irish and Spanish-language congregations. As of midnight on 18th September until further notice, all public masses are suspended, including the Friday weekly Holy Hour. However, the church is open daily for private prayer. Daily Confession times are as usual and the Sung Conventual Mass on Sunday at 11.30am will be live-streamed from the St. Saviour’s facebook page.

Church opening times and times of Confessions:

From Monday to Friday from 8.00am until after Vespers at 6.00pm.

Daily Confessions

On Saturday the Church is open from 10.00am with Confession times 11.30-1.00pm. 3.00-6.00pm

On Sunday, the Church is open at 12.30pm and close after Vespers at 6.00pm

Address: 9-11 Upper Dorset Street, Rotunda, Dublin 1

Phone number: (01) 889 7610

Dublin Buddhist Centre

The Dublin Buddhist Centre (DBC) lies at the heart of the Dublin Triratna Community (D1). It is a place where people meet to learn about and practise Buddishm, meditation, mindfulness and yoga, whether you are a Buddhist or you don’t identify yourselves in this way. “All are welcome to come and benefit from what we do here”, it is read on its website.

Address: Unit 5, Liberty Corner, James Joyce Street Dublín, Irlanda 1

At the moment, they remain closed but loads of online activities are available. Here you can view the DBC weekly schedule:

A Creative Response to Uncertain Times is one of the upcoming events. It is an online introduction to Buddhism and Meditation for 5 weeks and it starts today (7pm – 9pm).

“We live in troubled times. Many of the routines and certainties of our lives have been lost to the coronavirus outbreak and we are directly confronted with the reality of illness and death.

Because his teaching is addressed to the fundamentals of human life, it is as relevant now, – in a 21st century pandemic – as it ever was. At this time we are offering this free online introduction to Buddhism course to share these teachings and perspectives.

All that is required for the course is an openness to life’s experiences and a willingness to explore that experience in the light of Buddhist teachings and practices”, says the DBC website.

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Suitable for: Anyone with an interest in Meditation or Buddhism.

Book here

More events available here

Have a look at DBC Facebook page for more info.

Jewish Terenure Synagogue

Although the number of Jews living in Ireland is small, they have taken on many roles in Irish life. Dublin, for example, has had two Jewish Lord Mayors, Robert and Ben Briscoe.

The Terenure Synagogue was built in 1953 and is located on Rathfarnham Road. It was designed by the architect Wilfrid Cantwell as a modern-style building and the five windows in the front are shaped like the Star of David. Also, there are two memorials for all the Jews who were persecuted by the Nazis or killed in the Holocaust: a memorial window in the entrance porch and a memorial stone outside in the grounds.

In the synagogue, everyday prayers are held in addition to the ones for dinner, Saturdays, and holidays. Every Saturday at the synagogue, community members gather with guests and tourists for Shabbat worship services. After worship on Saturday morning, a kiddush is held in the living room of the synagogue where all the girls are.

Address:  32a Rathfarnham Road, Dublin 6W. Buses: 16,  15, 15a, 15b, 65, 65c, 49, 49a, 17

Get off at Terenure Crossroad. Walk up Rathfarnham Road, pass AIB Bank and one row of terraced houses; the shul is the building with wooden/metal security gates. Across the street is a shop called Window Fashions.

Nevertheless, as you’ve correctly guessed, the synagogues of Dublin are currently closed. Talking with the Secretary of Dublin Hebrew Congregation, she suggests “checking out chabad.org/live for livestreams of Torah classes, which are really the lifeblood of Jewish faith and thought. You might also try https://aish.tv/, one of the best educational Jewish sites”.

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For more info, please contact dublinhebrew@gmail.com.

Masjid

Praying collectively is a Muslim tradition to admire. However, at the moment, most mosques remain closed. For this reason, The Islamic Centre of Ireland suggests: “All brothers and sisters should perform the Dhuhr prayer at home instead. Please continue to honour the blessed day of Jumu’ah by taking a shower, reciting Surah Al-Kahf, giving Sadaqah, sending Salawat upon the Holy Prophet Muhammad and making Duaa”.

But, some masjids, such as the one at 26b, 25 Blackpitts, Dublin 8 are open for individual prayers.

More open mosques: Anwar-e-Madina Mosque | Talbot Mosque (Sufi). If you are a woman, you can also find the woman prayer section in this mosque. Address: by 4-12 Talbot St, North City, Dublin, D01 X8F8.

Also, by the end of Mary Street (Asian Halal Shop, Upstairs) there’s a small men room. Address: Mary St, North City, Dublin, D01 DH76.

Usual mosques:

Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland (also known as Clonskeagh mosque) is the biggest mosque in Ireland. Have a visit! Address: 19 Roebuck Rd, Friarland, Dublin 14, D14 YD91.

You can also visit Shuhada Foundation of Ireland (Masjid and Community Centre serving the Dublin 15 area) for Jummah prayer. There are two Jummah prayers: The first at 1:35PM (Khutba) with Salah at 1:55PM; the second, at 2:20PM (Khutba) with Salat at 2:35PM (pre-covid times). Address: Shuhada Foundation of Ireland, Warrenstown House, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, D15 ET27. Phone number: 01 821 8748 E-mail: info@shuhadafoundation.com

Any other places of worship you go to visit in these times? Any recommendations? Have a lovely week you all!