Survey Data
Reg No
50130091
Rating
National
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic, Historical
Original Use
Mausoleum
In Use As
Mausoleum
Date
1885 - 1890
Coordinates
314658, 236904
Date Recorded
21/06/2018
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Freestanding Celtic-Revival granite and limestone mausoleum, erected c. 1886, having cruciform plan with apsidal south end containing sarcophagus of Archbishop Edward McCabe. Pitched scalloped limestone roof having embellished pole-moulded ridge and ringed cross finials; central cross over crossing having Celtic knotwork carving on base flanked by four praying angels on squat columns with cushioned knotwork capitals. Stone gutters on deep corniced eaves having bands of interlaced, geometric and chevron detail over frieze with Latin inscription. Roof canopy carried on open arcade of round-headed openings supported by clustered polished granite columns with Celtic cushion capitals, central clasps and moulded bases; beaded chevron archivolts and carved Celtic interlacing to spandrels; Archbishop's blazon to each apex; chamfered plinth, supported on double bull-nosed stepped limestone base. Interior has barrel-vaulted roof with Celtic carved ribs supported on squat columns with figurative corbels depicting Twelve Apostles; monochrome mosaic flooring with interlacing and medallions depicting Four Evangelists. Central limestone sarcophagus having six engaged polished granite shafts enriched with carving to all elevations; polished granite slab having perimeter inscription bearing carved limestone effigy of Cardinal McCabe with seated angels at head and feet. Inscription to north step. Grassed enclosure with box hedge boundary. Located adjacent to south boundary of Glasnevin Cemetery.
Appraisal
An outstanding, finely-crafted and highly ornate mausoleum containing the sarcophagus of Cardinal Edward McCabe (1816-85), who was Catholic Archbishop of Dublin from 1879 to 1885, and was elevated to cardinal in 1882. He was vocal in opposition to the political agitation of the agrarian movement, siding with government and law, and encountered hostility from the majority of Irish nationalist opinion. His mausoleum was designed under competition in a free Celtic-Revival style, richly adorned with both Celtic and Christian symbolism. Although the competition to design the memorial was won by Thomas Drew, it was executed to designs of George Ashlin, pupil, partner and brother-in-law to E.W. Pugin, and a prolific designer of Catholic churches and associated buildings. The stone carving is of the finest quality, executed by C.W. Harrison & Sons. The recumbent white marble figure of Cardinal McCabe is exquisitely detailed, and was carved by Thomas Farrell to designs by Ashlin at a cost of £500. The mosaic pavement is by the Manchester firm of Ludwig Oppenheimer Ltd. In reflection of his status, Cardinal McCabe's memorial is prominently situated in Glasnevin Cemetery opposite J.J. McCarthy's Mortuary Chapel, and contributes to a notable group of structures by some of Ireland's most respected nineteenth-century architects.