James Joseph McCarthy facts for kids

James Joseph McCarthy was a famous Irish architect. He was known for designing many beautiful churches and other religious buildings. He was born in Dublin, Ireland, on January 6, 1817. His family came from County Kerry in Ireland.

James went to school with the Christian Brothers in Dublin. After that, he studied architecture at the Royal Dublin Society School. He was a big fan of the architect Pugin and his style called Gothic Revival. This style brought back the look of old medieval churches, with features like pointed arches, tall spires, and stained-glass windows.

A Teacher and Friend

McCarthy became a professor, which means he taught at universities. He taught about church architecture at All Hallows College in Dublin. He also taught architecture at the Catholic University of Ireland and the Royal Hibernian Academy.

He was good friends with Dr. Bartholomew Woodlock. Dr. Woodlock was in charge of both All Hallows' College and the Catholic University. Together, McCarthy helped Woodlock start the Irish Ecclesiological Society in 1849. This group studied and promoted church architecture and design.

James Joseph McCarthy was also a close friend of Charles Gavan Duffy. He was part of a group called the Young Irelanders. This group worked to bring about political and social changes in Ireland during the 1840s.

McCarthy passed away in 1882. He was buried in Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin.

Buildings Designed by McCarthy

J.J. McCarthy designed over fifty buildings. These included churches, monasteries, convents, and cathedrals. Here are some of the important ones he worked on:

• Cathedral of the Assumption, Thurles, County Tipperary
• St. Brendan's, Ardfert, County Kerry
• Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Ballingarry, County Limerick
• St. Kevins, Glendalough
• St. James's Church, Killorglin, County Kerry
• St. Joseph's, Carrickmacross, Monaghan
• St Macartan's Cathedral, Monaghan
• St. Mary's Church, Dingle, County Kerry
• St. Mary's Parish Church, Maynooth, County Kildare
• St. Mary's Church, Rathkeale, County Limerick
• St. Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh
• St. Peter and Paul Church, Kilmallock, County Limerick
• Mortuary Chapel, Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin
• Killarney Franciscan Friary, County Kerry
• Capuchian Franciscan Church, Church Street, Dublin
• Holy Trinity Church, Cookstown, County Tyrone
• College Chapel, St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, County Kildare
• College Chapel, Clonliffe College, Dublin
• Ladychapel Church, Maynooth, County Kildare
• St. Michael's Church, Ballinasloe, County Galway
• St Patrick's church, Mayobridge
• St Patricks church, Dungannon, Tyrone
• St. Saviour’s Dominican Church, Dublin (1861)
• St. Saviour's Dominican Church, Limerick (1870)