1884 – New Tower & Spire, Church of SS. Alphonsus & Columba, Ballybrack, Co. Dublin

This church was built between 1855 and 1856. In 1882 the architect George Ashlin, who by then had built his home in St. George’s Avenue, Killiney, added the imposing spire to the church. This spire is octagonal rising from a pyramidal base above the belfry to a finial decorated with crockets.

“This building stands on an elevated site overlooking the sea, situated a few miles south of Dublin. The new works include a tower and spire, baptistery, and staircase to gallery, and are indicated by a black tint on plan. The height of the tower to the cornice is 76 feet, and of the spire, to the top of cross, is 142 feet. The building is in Dalkey granite, and is now nearly completed. The contractor is Mr. J. Long, of Kingstown, Co. Dublin, and the architect Mr. G.C. Ashlin, A.R.H.A., Dublin.” The Architect, May 17 1884.