A History of Garland House

Mar 10, 2016

The history of Rathmines stretches back as far as 1649, as a battleground upon which Oliver Cromwell and his troops came over to fight Royalist forces in Ireland. Known as the “Battle of Rathmines”, this marked the beginning of Cromwell’s reign in Ireland. In 1847, Rathmines was declared a town and became an elegant suburban area for wealthy Dublin Residents who wanted to flee the cramped streets of Dublin city centre during the mid-19th century.

Garland House, as it is presently known, was built in Rathmines Park in 1923 as the Second Church of Christ Scientist in Ireland.

The Church of Christ Scientist was part of larger religious movement called ‘Christian Science’. It was fastest growing religion in the United States in the early 20th Century and was founded by Mary Baker Eddy. 

The construction of the Rathmines church was carried out under a £2,320 tender from McDonnell & Dixon Architects. It was built by A. Hull & Company and at the time of construction was one of the first reinforced concrete buildings in Ireland.

As the church declined in popularity the building began a various periods of disuse. The building was purchased by the former Directors of Thomas Garland & Partners in 1989. Complete refurbishments were carried out on the property between the years of 1990-1992.  As a result, the building was renamed as ‘Garland House’ and is still occupied by the company to date.