Survey Data
Reg No
50130102
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic, Social
Original Use
Grave monument
In Use As
Grave monument
Date
1855 - 1865
Coordinates
315044, 236885
Date Recorded
12/06/2018
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Freestanding three-stage Gothic Revival limestone funerary monument over vault, erected c. 1860. Rectangular chamfered ashlar limestone base and plinth having vestigial recessed marble inscription panels to each elevation flanked by paired colonnettes with foliate capitals. Gableted crocketed pedestal on offset square base, with pinnacled canopies and corbels to corners, each elevation having paired cusped blind panels with cusped roundel to tympanum. Crocketed octagonal pinnacle having cloverleaf cross finial. Vault entrance to west side accessed by flight of stone steps, enclosed by limestone wall having gableted corner piers with gabled faces, pitched copings, and accessed through ornate double-leaf cast-iron gate. Located in eastern part of Glasnevin Cemetery.
Appraisal
A substantial Gothic Revival funerary monument erected over the burial vault of the Connolly family and prominently located at the eastern side of Glasnevin (formerly Prospect) Cemetery. Although adorned with crockets, gablets and rather undersized shafts, the effect is offset by a restrained palette of grey limestone, reinforcing its funereal qualities. Originally known as Prospect Cemetery, this burial ground was opened in 1832 following a successful campaign by Daniel O'Connell to establish a civic, non-denominational cemetery. It holds the graves and memorials of over one million people, including many notable citizens. Prominently located close to the eastern (original) entrance, this monument is one of a cluster of architecturally notable memorials in this early part of the cemetery, which was known as Curran Square, offering premium plots that reflected the status and social standing of those interred there during the early decades of the cemetery's operation. The monument makes a strong contribution to the architectural and stylistic variety of the Cemetery.