Visit the Harry Clarke Windows at Díseart.
The Diseart acts as the centre for a lively community giving expression to and promoting Celtic Culture and Spirituality as an integral part of our local heritage.
Housed in the former Presentation Convent premises in Dingle/Daingean Uí Chúis. Founded in 1998, An Diseart developed as a centre for research into all areas of Irish Spirituality and Celtic Culture including theology, language, literature, art, laws, folklore, values, spirituality, history, music, archaeology and customs led by the late Msgr Padraig Ó Fiannachta and associated with his valuable collection of manuscripts and books now housed in the Dingle Library.
Located in this peaceful haven on Green Street, Dingle, Díseart occupies a neo-gothic building designed by JJ McCarthy. Described as “breathtaking”, “magnificent” and “a national treasure”, by some of its visitors, the building is home to a beautifully proportioned chapel in which can be found twelve lancet windows created in 1924 by one of the foremost stained glass artists of all time, Harry Clarke. The windows, along with the tranquil walled gardens, first laid out in 1849, have become a popular attraction for the many visitors in Dingle.
The landscaped gardens are developed in three parts according to plans made by Mary Reynolds.
Since 1998, Díseart Institute of Education and Celtic Culture has occupied the former Presentation Sisters’ convent on Green Street, Dingle. This beautiful, stately, neo-gothic building designed by JJ McCarthy, was home to the Presentation enclosed community of sisters, established in Ireland in the last quarter of the eighteenth century, and who first arrived in Dingle in 1829. Since then hundreds of sisters have given a labour of love and service to the people of this area of West Kerry for over 170 years, educating and helping all especially the poor during very difficult times.
In 1922, Sister Ita Macken commissioned Irishman and one of the foremost stained glass artists of all time, Harry Clarke to design and install 12 stained glass windows in the convent chapel. For the princely sum of £1,000.00, Clarke installed a series of windows that have been described as “breathtaking”, “magnificent” and “intensely moving”, by some of the recent visitors and vividly illustrate Clarke’s unique style with lively animated faces, a profusion of rich vibrant colours and generous ornamentation.
About the Harry Clarke Windows:
1. The Visit of the Magi
And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshipped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh. (Matthew 2:11).
2. The Baptism of Jesus
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptised by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens opened and the Spirit descending upon him like a dove; and a voice came from heaven: “Thou art my beloved Son; with thee I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:9 -11).
3. Let the little children come to me
And they were bringing children to him, that he might touch them; and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it he was indignant, and said to them: “Let the children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:13 – 14).
4. The Sermon on the Mount
Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain ………… And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth…” (Matthew 5:1 – 5).
5. The Agony in the Garden
“Father, if thou art willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed the more earnestly; and his sweat became as great drops of blood falling down upon the ground. (Luke 22:42 – 44).
6. Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene
Jesus said to her: “Woman why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him: “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her: “Mary”. She turned and said to him in Hebrew: “Rabboni” (which means Teacher). (John 20:15 – 16).