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The Dublin Diocesan Archives is based at Archbishop’s House, Drumcondra, headquarters of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin. It has always been the most important of Ireland’s twenty-six dioceses on account of its location, size, resources and history, and this is reflected in its archival holdings. The vast bulk of its holdings are confined to the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, with the Archives possessing only a small amount of material covering the reigns of twelve Archbishops from 1600 to 1770.

The Diocesan Archives currently holds the papers of eleven successive archbishops of Dublin covering the period 1770 to 2004. Of these, the collections of eight Archbishops are available to be consulted by researchers, and the links at the bottom of this page will bring you to more information regarding each of these collections.

There are a number of other collections housed in the Archives. These include the combined surviving records of the Catholic Association, the New Catholic Association and the Loyal National Repeal Association, three vehicles for mass agitation in support of Catholic interest in the first half of the nineteenth century and all intimately linked to Daniel O’Connell; the Episcopal collections consist of the papers of four auxiliary Bishops of Dublin: Nicholas Donnelly (1880-1920), Patrick Dunne (1920-89), James Kavanagh (1940-98) and Bishop Desmond Williams (1983-97); the collection of priests and religious of the Archdiocese; and the colleges collection. The most notable of these relates to the records (mainly financial) of the diocesan seminary, Holy Cross College (1859-1956) and the papers of Bartholomew Woodlock (1860-1879), who succeeded John Henry Newman as rector of the Catholic University of Ireland.

The collection is of use to many disciplines including history, local history, sociology, law, architecture, genealogy, education, religion, to name but a few. It should also be noted that Parish Registers (Baptismal and Marriage) are still held by the local parish churches and are not housed at the Diocesan Archives.

CONTEXT:

John Charles McQuaid was born in Cootehill, Co. Cavan, on 28 July 1895, to Dr. Eugene McQuaid and Jennie Corry. His mother died shortly afterwards. He attended St. Patrick’s College, Cavan, Blackrock College and Clongowes Wood. He entered the CSSp (Congregation of the Holy Spirit) in Kimmage in 1913. He was ordained on 29 June 1924. McQuaid obtained his Masters Degree at the National University of Ireland with his thesis entitled ‘Life and Philosophy of Seneca’. He received his Doctorate in Theology at the Gregorian University, Rome.

In 1925 John Charles McQuaid was appointed to the staff at Blackrock College where he remained until 1939. He served as Dean of Studies from 1925-1931 and President of the College from 1931-1939. He was appointed Archbishop of Dublin on 6 November 1940 at the age of 45. His motto was ‘Testimonium Perhibere Veritati’. He served as Archbishop from 1940-1971, resigning on 29 December of that year. He died on 7 August 1973 and is buried in the vaults at the Pro-Cathedral.

CONTENT AND STRUCTURE:

The episcopacy of John Charles McQuaid saw the Catholic population of Dublin grow from approximately 630,000 to over 800,000 people. The number of clergy rose from 370 to 600 and religious from 500-800. He constituted 60 new parishes, built over 80 new churches and 250 primary schools and 100 secondary schools.

His is especially remembered for his work in the area of charity. He oversaw the establishment of the Catholic Social Welfare Conference and the Catholic Social Welfare Bureau, between 1941-1942. He had a personal interest in providing for people who suffered physically, mentally and spiritually.

Archbishop McQuaid appeared to be a powerful and conservative figure who wielded much influence in all aspects of Irish society. His opinion and support were sought in many areas including the wording of the Irish Constitution, the Mother and Child Scheme, censorship, youth affairs, lay organisations, hospitals and the development of a Diocesan Press Office which was run by a layman. McQuaid also took an active interest in industrial relations and helped resolve more than one dispute during his time as Archbishop. One of the most notable disputes was the Teacher’s Strike of 1946. He was sympathetic with the teachers’ case and was very active on their behalf.

Vatican II brought about major changes in the structures of the Church and many believed McQuaid would retire at his Silver Jubilee in 1965. He stayed on, believing his role was pivotal in providing stability and reassurance at a time of great change. He was slow to implement the reforms of Vatican II especially in relation to liturgical change, greater lay participation and ecumenism. The more assertive laity soon began to question both his policies and personality. Irish society was changing. He tendered his resignation which was announced on 4 January 1972. A special programme marking the event was shown on RTE. He died fifteen months later.

Sections currently available to researchers include the Holy See, Nuncio, Bishops, Government, Vatican Council, Catholic Social Welfare Bureau, Emigrants, Universities (UCD and St. Patrick’s, Drumcondra), Hospitals, Communications and the Diocesan Press Office, Religious Men, Religious Women and papers relating to McQuaid prior to his appointment as Archbishop. Lay Organisations, Education, Arts & Culture, (including Censorship), Army Chaplains and Diocesan Priests are currently being catalogued.